A clear, patient-focused guide to common brain tumor types, warning signs, diagnosis, and how treatment decisions are made.
If you were just told you may have a brain tumor—or your MRI report includes unfamiliar terms—it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Many patients are less worried by the word “tumor” itself than by what it could mean for their ability to work, drive, speak clearly, keep their balance, or simply feel like themselves again.
One of the fastest ways to regain a sense of control is to understand what doctors mean when they describe different “types” of brain tumors. Some are benign and slow-growing. Others are cancerous or represent cancer that has spread from another part of the body. And in many cases, symptoms depend more on where a tumor sits than on its name.
Below is a practical overview of common brain tumor diagnoses, how they’re typically found, and the treatment approaches you may hear during a neurosurgical consultation.
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. Brain tumors are generally grouped into two broad categories:
Importantly, “tumor” does not automatically mean cancer. Many brain tumors are benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. Even benign tumors, however, can still cause serious problems if they press on the brain, irritate nearby nerves, or block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
That’s why diagnosis isn’t just about labeling a tumor—it’s about understanding its location, behavior, and the safest plan to protect neurologic function.
Some brain tumors are found incidentally when imaging is done for an unrelated reason. Others declare themselves through symptoms that feel “new” or out of character—often changing day to day as swelling and pressure fluctuate.
Symptoms that commonly prompt a workup include:
These symptoms can also come from non-tumor conditions. The next step is usually a focused neurological exam and the right imaging so your care team can determine what’s actually driving the symptoms.
Most patients begin with imaging—typically an MRI of the brain. A CT scan may also be used in certain situations (for example, urgent evaluation in the emergency setting). Imaging often provides valuable clues about what a lesion is and what it is not, based on its location, borders, and relationship to surrounding structures.
Depending on the suspected diagnosis, additional testing may include:
In some cases, the only way to confirm the exact tumor type is with tissue diagnosis—either via biopsy or at the time of surgical removal. Your neurosurgeon’s job is to balance the value of certainty with the safety of how to obtain it.
What they are: Meningiomas arise from the meninges, the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. They often grow by pushing the brain away rather than invading brain tissue. Many meningiomas are slow-growing, and some can be monitored safely when small and not causing symptoms.
Where they occur: Commonly on the outer surface of the brain or along the spinal canal.
Benign or cancerous? Most are benign. Less commonly, meningiomas can behave more aggressively; you may hear these described as atypical or anaplastic.
Symptoms: Symptoms vary based on location. Some patients experience headaches or seizures; others notice vision changes, weakness, numbness, or changes in coordination.
Treatment options: Options often include observation with periodic imaging, surgical removal when safe and appropriate, and/or radiation in select cases. For a deeper overview of how these decisions are made, see our page on meningioma treatment, and when surgery is recommended, meningioma surgery.
What they are: Pituitary tumors grow in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain that helps regulate hormones controlling many body functions. Some pituitary tumors make hormones (“functioning” tumors) and cause symptoms through hormone excess. Others do not (“non-functioning” tumors) and may be discovered only after they enlarge enough to affect nearby structures.
Where they occur: In the pituitary gland.
Benign or cancerous? Most are benign.
Symptoms: Symptoms can include hormone-related changes (which vary depending on the hormone involved). If the tumor presses on the optic pathways, vision changes can occur, sometimes starting as difficulty seeing to the side.
Treatment options: Treatment may include observation, medication (especially for certain hormone-producing tumors), surgery, and/or radiation depending on the tumor’s behavior and the symptoms it causes. Care is often coordinated with endocrinology.
What they are: Schwannomas arise from Schwann cells, which form the protective covering around nerves. When a schwannoma affects the vestibular nerve (involved in hearing and balance), it’s commonly called a vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic neuroma).
Where they occur: Often near the back of the skull along the vestibular nerve, close to the cerebellum and brainstem.
Benign or cancerous? Typically benign.
Symptoms: Many patients notice one-sided hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in one ear, and sometimes imbalance. Larger tumors may press on nearby nerves and can contribute to facial weakness or numbness.
Treatment options: Depending on size, growth rate, symptoms, and hearing status, treatment may include observation with repeat imaging, stereotactic radiosurgery for certain tumors, or surgical removal.
What they are: Brain metastases occur when cancer cells from another part of the body spread to the brain and form tumors. Because metastases reflect systemic cancer, treatment planning often involves coordination between neurosurgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
Where they occur: Location varies.
Benign or cancerous? Cancerous.
Symptoms: Symptoms depend on the number and location of lesions and may include headaches, seizures, speech or comprehension problems, vision changes, weakness or numbness, and coordination difficulties.
Treatment options: Options can include surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies depending on the primary cancer and the overall clinical picture. Imaging (often MRI, sometimes CT) is used to define the number of lesions and guide a treatment plan.
There isn’t one “standard” treatment that fits every brain tumor. A careful plan is built around questions patients are already asking:
Depending on those answers, your recommendations may include:
If surgery is part of the discussion, it can help to understand what approach is being recommended and why. Learn more about modern options such as minimally invasive brain tumor surgery and when a craniotomy for brain tumor resection may be appropriate.
A possible brain tumor diagnosis can turn routine life into a string of appointments, unanswered questions, and “what if” scenarios. At Yashar Neurosurgery, Parham Yashar, MD takes a patient-first approach: careful imaging review, clear explanations in plain language, and a treatment plan built around the tumor type, its location, and what matters most to you.
If you’re looking for brain tumor treatment in Los Angeles, you can start by reviewing our brain tumor treatment page, then schedule a consultation to go over your MRI and discuss next steps, including monitoring, radiation, or surgical options when appropriate.
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