Brain tumors begin when abnormal cells in the brain grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Because every patient’s situation is unique, our team at Illinois CancerCare focuses on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans designed to give you the best possible outcome. Primary brain tumors start in the brain or spinal cord, while secondary (metastatic) brain tumors begin in another part of the body and spread to the brain. This page focuses on primary brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
Understanding the Brain & CNS
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, which controls how we think, feel, move, and process information. Brain tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous); both can cause symptoms by pressing on or invading nearby brain tissue. Unlike many other cancers, brain tumors don’t use a standard “TNM” staging system—doctors focus on tumor type, grade, location, and molecular features to guide treatment.
Types of Brain Tumors
There are many kinds of primary brain tumors. In adults, common types include:
Gliomas
(e.g., astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, glioblastoma)
Meningioma
(arises from the brain’s protective membranes; often benign)
Schwannoma
(nerve sheath tumor; often benign)
Pituitary tumors
Primary CNS lymphoma
Medulloblastoma and other rare tumors
(more common in children, but can occur in adults)
Your care team will explain which type you have and what it means for treatment and recovery.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms depend on tumor type and location and may include:
If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Risk Factors
Most brain tumors have no clearly known cause, but factors linked with higher risk include:
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will develop a brain tumor, and many people diagnosed have no identifiable risks.
Screening
There is no standard screening test for people at average risk of primary brain tumors. Evaluation usually begins when symptoms appear or when a brain abnormality is found on imaging done for another reason.
Diagnosis
Your diagnosis and treatment plan are informed by several steps:
Your team will tailor testing to your situation and explain what each result means.
Grading
Instead of TNM staging, brain tumors are classified by grade (how abnormal the cells appear and how quickly they tend to grow) and by molecular markers that can inform prognosis and treatment choices. Your care team will review the grade and key markers relevant to your tumor type.
Treatment Options
Treatment is individualized based on tumor type, grade, location, molecular features, overall health, and your goals. Care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team experienced in neurooncology.
Watchful waiting (active surveillance)
for some slow-growing, asymptomatic tumors
Surgery
to remove as much tumor as safely possible; advanced techniques and mapping may help preserve function
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
(e.g., temozolomide for certain gliomas)
Targeted therapy & immunotherapy
for select tumor types/biomarkers
Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)
for eligible patients with specific gliomas
Rehabilitation & supportive care
(physical/occupational/speech therapy, seizure management, symptom control)
Your Illinois CancerCare team will discuss benefits and potential side effects and whether a clinical trial may be right for you.
Prognosis
Many brain tumors are treatable, especially when found early and when surgery can safely remove most or all of the tumor. Prognosis depends on tumor type, grade, molecular features, location, extent of resection, and response to therapy. Your doctor will explain what these factors mean in your case.
Follow Up Care
Followup typically includes regular MRI scans, physical and neurologic exams, and monitoring for treatment effects or recurrence. Your plan may also include rehabilitation services and support for cognitive or emotional changes that can occur after treatment.
Living With a Brain Tumor
Illinois CancerCare offers comprehensive support, including counseling, nutrition guidance, rehabilitation, survivorship programs, caregiver resources, and access to clinical trials—all designed to help you and your loved ones navigate treatment and recovery. National organizations such as the American Brain Tumor Association also offer education, peer support, and financial resources.
Why Choose Illinois CancerCare
See our Current Clinical Trials page for studies that may be available to you.
Sources & Patient Friendly References
All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).