Types of brain tumour
There are over 130 different types of primary brain tumour. These various types of brain tumour differ based on where in the brain they are commonly found and who they affect most (adults or children).
The types of brain tumour are usually named based on the cells they form from or the part of the brain they start in. For example, a glioblastoma tumour grows from glial cells and a pituitary adenoma tumour grows from the tissue of the pituitary gland.
Brain tumours that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Tumours that spread to the brain are called secondary or metastatic brain tumours. And, brain tumours have different grades.
Knowing your tumour’s type can help you understand your condition. The information we provide is aimed at explaining everything you might need to know about the specific tumour type affecting you or your loved one.
We have divided the types of brain tumour into those which occur most commonly in adults and those which occur most commonly in children. However, any brain tumour type can affect both adults and children.
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Adult brain tumour types
Brain tumours can differ in terms of the cells they originate from, how quickly they are likely to grow and spread, and the part of the brain they affect.
As a general rule, brain tumours are named according to the type of cell they start from and/or where in the brain they are located.
These tumours most commonly occur in adults, but they can also affect children.
Glioblastoma
Information about glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain tumour in adults.
Astrocytoma
Learn about astrocytomas, the most common brain tumour in the group of tumours called gliomas.
Pituitary adenoma
Pituitary adenoma tumours develop from the tissue of the pituitary gland.
Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
Get facts about acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), a low grade brain tumour.
Meningioma
Meningioma begin in the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendrogliomas are the 3rd most common glioma, and are more common in adults.
Haemangioblastoma
Discover more about this tumour type, which grows from blood vessel cells.
CNS lymphoma
Find out about CNS lymphoma, caused by the uncontrolled growth of the lymph cells.
Unspecified glioma
Tumours with unknown cells, or they contain more than one type of cell.
Child brain tumour types
The information we provide is aimed at explaining everything you might need to know about specific brain tumour types that can affect children. For example, you can find out about the short and long-term side-effects that might be experienced from the tumour, or the type of treatment children are likely to receive for specific tumour types.
These tumours most commonly occur in children, but they can also affect adults.
Medulloblastoma
The 2nd most common brain and the most common high grade tumour in children.
DIPG
Fast growing, high grade brain tumours that originate in the part of the brain stem called the pons.
Ependymoma
Ependymoma is a type of glioma most commonly found in children.
Craniopharyngioma
Tumours which grow near the base of the brain on the stalk of the pituitary gland.
Embryonal tumours
Previously known as PNETs, embryonal tumours are most common in young children.
Pineoblastoma
Tumours which develop from primitive cells in the pineal region at the base of the brain.
Brainstem glioma
A tumour that grows in the brain stem, which is responsible for body functions such as breathing.
Choroid plexus carcinoma
A tumour within the ventricles in the brain which can cause pressure to build-up.
Germ cell tumours
Tumours developing from germ cells – cells that are involved in our growth in the womb.