Brain Tumor Program | Conditions
Sutter Neuroscience Institute
We believe that all tumors, including benign, should be treated in a serious and professional manner, because they still interfere with a persons quality of life; and we hope to help minimize that impact.
Acoustic Neuroma
These tumors arise from the cells that form a protective sheath around the body's nerve fibers. They are usually benign and are surgically removed when possible. One of the more common forms of schwannoma affects the eighth cranial nerve, which contains nerve cells important for balance and hearing. Also known as vestibular schwannomas-these tumors may grow on one or both sides of the brain.
Astrocytoma
A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star shaped cells called astrocytes.
Brain Stem Glioma
A tumor located in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem). It may grow rapidly or slowly, depending on the grade of the tumor.
CNS Tumor
Central nervous system tumor. A tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), including brain stem glioma, craniopharyngioma, medulloblastoma, and meningioma. Also called central nervous system tumor.
Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngiomas are brain tumors that usually affect infants and children. Like chordomas, they develop from cells left over from early fetal development. Craniopharyngiomas are often located near the brain's pituitary gland, a gland that releases chemicals important for the body's growth and metabolism.
Ependymoma
A type of brain tumor that begins in cells lining the spinal cord central canal (fluid filled space down the center) or the ventricles (fluid filled spaces of the brain). Ependymomas may also form in the choroid plexus (tissue in the ventricles that makes cerebrospinal fluid). Also called ependymal tumor.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
A fast growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord and has cells that look very different from normal cells. GBM usually occurs in adults and affects the brain more often than the spinal cord. Also called glioblastoma multiforme, grade IV astrocytoma, and glioblastoma.
Glioma
About half of all primary brain tumors and about one-fifth of all primary spinal cord tumors are gliomas, meaning that they grow from glial cells. Within the brain, gliomas usually occur in the cerebral hemispheres but may also strike other areas, especially the optic nerve, the brain stem and, particularly among children, the cerebellum. Gliomas are classified into several groups because there are different kinds of glial cells.
Medulloblastoma
A malignant brain tumor that begins in the lower part of the brain and that can spread to the spine or to other parts of the body. Medulloblastomas are a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).
Meningioma
A type of slow growing tumor that forms in the meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Meningiomas usually occur in adults.
Metastatic Brain Tumors
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to the brain.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis type 1
NF1. A rare genetic condition that causes brown spots and tumors on the skin, freckling in skin areas not exposed to the sun, tumors on the nerves, and developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles, bone, and skin. Also called NF1.
Neurofibromatosis type 2
NF2. A genetic condition in which tumors form on the nerves of the inner ear and cause loss of hearing and balance. Tumors may also occur in the brain and on nerves in the skull and spinal cord, and may cause loss of speech, eye movement, and the ability to swallow. Also called acoustic neurofibromatosis and NF2.
Oligodendroglioma
A rare, slow growing tumor that begins in oligodendrocytes (cells that cover and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord). Also called oligodendroglial tumor.
Optic Glioma
Optic Glioma indicates the location of the tumor and is used when a specific diagnosis is not available.
Pituitary Tumor
A tumor that forms in the pituitary gland. The pituitary is a pea sized organ in the center of the brain above the back of the nose. It makes hormones that affect other glands and many body functions, especially growth. Most pituitary tumors are benign.
Pineal Region Tumor
A type of brain tumor that occurs in or around the pineal gland, a tiny organ near the center of the brain.
Primitive Neuroectodermal (PNET)
One of a group of cancers that develop from the same type of early cells, and share certain biochemical and genetic features. Some PNETs develop in the brain and central nervous system (CNS PNET), and others develop in sites outside of the brain such as the limbs, pelvis, and chest wall (peripheral PNET).
Schwannoma
These tumors arise from the cells that form a protective sheath around the body's nerve fibers. They are usually benign and are surgically removed when possible. One of the more common forms of schwannoma affects the eighth cranial nerve, which contains nerve cells important for balance and hearing. Also known as vestibular schwannomas or acoustic neuromas, these tumors may grow on one or both sides of the brain.
Vascular
These rare, noncancerous tumors arise from the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord.
Other
We also treat other brain tumors that may not be listed above
Information collected from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) Dictionary.
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