Brain Tumors

Expert Care and Treatment for Neuro-Oncological Disorders

The Center for Neuro-Oncology includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists who treat patients with brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, and neurologic complications from cancer.

Your care team will collaborate to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that offers the most advanced therapies and an array of supportive resources. 

Center for Neuro-Oncology

What Are Brain Tumors?

A tumor is a mass of tissue made up of cells that grow and multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. The brain controls many important bodily functions; when a tumor grows into or presses on an area of the brain, it may stop that part of the brain from functioning normally. 

A tumor is a mass of tissue made up of cells that grow and multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. The brain controls many important bodily functions; when a tumor grows into or presses on an area of the brain, it may stop that part of the brain from functioning normally. 

A tumor may be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous); both cause symptoms that require treatment: 

  • Benign brain and spinal cord tumors grow more slowly, but can press on nearby areas of the brain. They rarely spread into other tissues, and may recur (come back) after treatment. 
  • Malignant brain and spinal cord tumors are likely to grow quickly and spread into other brain tissue. 

Brain tumors are classified as primary or secondary: 

  • Primary brain tumors develop inside the brain or spine, and almost never spread outside of the brain or spine. Primary brain tumors are most commonly named after the cells from which they derive. Some types of primary brain tumors include: 
    • Glioblastoma 
    • Glioma 
    • CNS (central nervous system) Lymphoma 
    • Meningioma 
  • Secondary brain tumors are tumors found in the brain that have started somewhere else in the body. These are also known as metastatic brain tumors, or brain metastases. Metastatic brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors. 
brain-cross-section-small350x355.jpg
Cross-section of the brain, showing the pineal and pituitary glands, optic nerve, ventricles (with cerebrospinal fluid shown in blue), and other parts of the brain.

Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

What are signs of a brain tumor? Dana-Farber's Eudocia Quant Lee, MD shares common symptoms to look out for and explains how tumors may affect the brain in different ways.

Signs and Symptoms 

The signs and symptoms of brain tumors differ from person to person. Signs and symptoms depend on where the tumor forms in the brain, what the affected part of the brain controls, and the size of the tumor. 

Consult with your doctor if you have any of the following: 

  • Headaches that are new or worsening, especially in the morning or when lying down 
  • Frequent nausea or vomiting 
  • Dizziness, loss of balance, or room spinning 
  • Vision, hearing, and speech problems 
  • Difficulty with balance and trouble walking 
  • Weakness 
  • Unusual sleepiness or change in activity level 
  • Changes in personality or mood, such as anger or emotional withdrawal 
  • Inability to focus 

Why Choose Us

The Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art, individualized, and compassionate care for patients with brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, and neurologic complications from cancer. Our dedicated team of over 40 experienced neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, and neuropathologists specialize solely in neuro-oncology. These specialists provide you and your family with informed choices about treatment options, for optimal results. 

Our physician team is supported by experienced and knowledgeable nurses, physician assistants, and other health care staff dedicated to providing compassionate care, guidance, and educational resources to you and your family throughout your treatment. Psychosocial oncologists and neuropsychologists support you and your family – to help you maintain the highest quality of life every step of the way. 

We provide comprehensive services to patients with these cancers, including:  

  • An individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific type of brain tumor 
  • Access to the latest clinical trials
  • Access to our Cancer Diagnostic Service, which provides an efficient path to reach a timely diagnosis for patients that present with signs or symptoms of cancer to avoid unnecessary testing and delays in treatment 
  • Multidisciplinary care delivered by specialists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital