Brain tumours
A brain tumour is a collection of brain cells that have grown out of control.
Our body is made up of billions of cells that can only be seen under a microscope. Normally, cells only divide to replace old and worn out cells. A brain tumour develops when something inside a cell goes wrong, making the cell carry on dividing until it forms a lump or a tumour.
Read more about how cancer starts
This is different from cancers that have spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body. These are called secondary brain cancers or brain metastases. The information on this page is about primary brain tumours.
Find out more about secondary brain cancers
The brain is made of different tissues and cells which can develop into different types of tumours. There are over 100 different types of brain tumours.
We have information about the most common types of brain tumours
Last reviewed: 18 Jan 2023
Next review due: 18 Jan 2026
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).
The grade of a brain tumour gives doctors an idea of how fast or slow the tumour might grow.
There are many different types of brain tumours. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.
There are some factors that increase your risk of developing a brain tumour. These include being older, and a family history.
You usually start by seeing your GP who might refer you to a specialist. Or you might go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you suddenly have severe symptoms.
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
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