A brain tumor is a collection, or mass, of abnormal cells in your brain. Your skull, which encloses your brain, is very rigid. Any growth inside such a restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). When benign or malignant tumors grow, they can cause the pressure inside your skull to increase. This can cause brain damage, and it can be life-threatening.

Brain tumors are categorized as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumor originates in your brain. Many primary brain tumors are benign. A secondary brain tumor, also known as a metastatic brain tumor, occurs when cancer cells spread to your brain from another organ, such as your lung or breast.

A brain tumor is a cluster of abnormal cells that grows out of control in your brain. Some brain tumors are benign, which means the cells aren’t cancer. Others are malignant, meaning they’re cancer. Brain tumors are called primary tumors if they started in your brain. They’re considered secondary if they started somewhere else in your body and spread to your brain.

Diagnosing a brain tumor can be a complicated process and involve a number of specialists, depending on where you live or where you seek medical attention. A brain scan, most often an MRI, is the first step. A biopsy may be necessary, so a pathologist can be brought in to help identify the brain tumor type.

Symptoms

Blurred vision or double vision
Seizures (especially in adults)
Weakness of a limb or part of the face
Change in mental functioning
Memory loss
Difficulty writing or reading
Changes in the ability to hear, taste, or smell
Difficulty swallowing
Dizziness or vertigo
Uncontrollable movements
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
Trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying
Changes in mood, personality, emotions, and behavior
Difficulty walking
Muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg