Introduction

A brain tumour is agrowth of cells in the brain that multiplies in an abnormal, uncontrollable way. It can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

Brain tumours are graded from 1 to 4 according to their behaviour, such as how fast they grow and how likely they are togrow back after treatment.

  • Brain tumour, benign (non-cancerous) arelow grade (grade 1 or 2), which means they grow slowlyand are less likely to return after treatment.
  • Malignant brain tumours arehigh grade (grade 3 or 4) and either start in the brain (primary tumours) or spread into the brain from elsewhere (secondary tumours); they're more likely to grow back after treatment.

This page gives general information relevant to both types of brain tumour. The links above will take you to more information about the specific types.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 10 Jun 2016