What is brain cancer?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Brain cancer is cancer that grows in the brain. The cancer could be in the brain because it started there (primary brain cancer) or spread there from somewhere else (metastatic brain cancer). A cancerous brain tumor can kill healthy brain tissue.

Continue Learning about Brain Cancer (Neurological Cancers)

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Some types of brain cancer may be curable. With brain cancers that cannot be cured, treatment may be...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Chlorotoxin is a substance being studied in the diagnosis and treatment of glioma (a type of brain c...

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Brain Cancer (Neurological Cancers)

Brain cancer and brain tumor are used interchangeably, but not all brain tumors are cancerous (malignant). Malignant brain tumors grow aggressively, overpowering healthy cells and destroying nearby brain tissues. Cancer that begins in the brain (primary brain cancer) is far less common than cancers that begin in other parts of the body. While cancer that starts in the lungs, breast, kidneys or other parts of the body may spread to the brain, primary brain cancer is less likely to spread outside the brain. Although the exact cause of this neurological disease is unknown, your risk increases if you smoke cigarettes, have been exposed to radiation to the head, or have been exposed to certain chemicals. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment for brain and other neurological cancers with expert advice from Sharecare.

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