Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the bony spinal column, which are the primary components of the central nervous system (CNS). Benign tumors are noncancerous, and malignant tumors are cancerous. The CNS is housed within rigid, bony quarters (i.e., the skull and spinal column), so any abnormal growth, whether benign or malignant, can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function. Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called primary tumors. Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that surround and support neurons. In a small number of individuals, primary tumors may result from specific genetic disease (e.g., neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis) or from exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals. The cause of most primary tumors remains a mystery. They are not contagious and, at this time, not preventable. Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, vision or hearing problems, behavioral and cognitive problems, motor problems, and balance problems. Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, sensory changes, and motor problems. The first test to diagnose brain and spinal column tumors is a neurological examination. Special imaging techniques (computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography) are also employed. Laboratory tests include the EEG and the spinal tap. A biopsy, a surgical procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from a suspected tumor, helps doctors diagnose the type of tumor.
The three most commonly used treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Doctors also may prescribe steroids to reduce
the swelling inside the CNS.
Scientists continue to investigate ways to better understand, diagnose, and treat CNS tumors. Experimental treatment options
may include new drugs, gene therapy, surgery , radiation, biologic immuno-agents that enhance the body's overall immune system
to recognize and fight cancer cells, and a combination of therapies. Of particular interest to scientists is the development
of tailored therapeutics--involving a combination of targeted agents that use different molecules to reduce tumor gene activity
and suppress uncontrolled growth by killing or reducing the production of tumor cells--to treat tumors based on their genetic
makeup. Researchers continue to search for additional clinical biomarkers (molecules or other substances in the blood or
tissue that can be used to diagnose or monitor a particular disorder) of CNS tumors. Other researchers are testing different
drugs and molecules to see if they can modulate the normal activity of the blood-brain barrier and better target tumor cells
and associated blood vessels. Also under investigation are ways to help the body respond to improved drug delivery or other
cancer treatments.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6116 Executive Boulevard, Ste. 3036A, MSC 8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-8322 cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov http://cancer.gov Tel: 800-4-CANCER (422-6237) 800-332-8615 (TTY) |
American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 550 Chicago, IL 60631 ABTAcares@abta.org http://www.abta.org Tel: 773-577-8750 800-886-2282 Fax: 847-827-9918 |
Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation 20312 Watkins Meadow Drive Germantown, MD 20876 cbtf@childhoodbraintumor.org http://www.childhoodbraintumor.org Tel: 877-217-4166 301-515-2900 |
Children's Brain Tumor Foundation 274 Madison Avenue Suite 1004 New York, NY 10016 info@cbtf.org http://www.cbtf.org Tel: 212-448-9494 866-CBT-HOPE (228-4673) Fax: 212-448-1022 |
National Brain Tumor Society East Coast Office 124 Watertown Street Suite 2D Watertown, MA 02472 questions@braintumor.org http://www.braintumor.org Tel: 617-924-9997 800-770-8287 Fax: 617-924-9998 |
Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research
and Information 1100 Peninsula Blvd. Hewlett, NY 11557 musella@virtualtrials.com http://www.virtualtrials.com Tel: 516-295-4740 888-295-4740 Fax: 516-295-2870 |
American Cancer Society National Home Office 250 Williams Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303-1002 http://www.cancer.org Tel: 800-ACS-2345 (227-2345) |
International RadioSurgery Association 2960 Green Street P.O. Box 5186 Harrisburg, PA 17110 irsa@irsa.org http://www.irsa.org Tel: 717-260-9808 Fax: 717-260-9809 |
Cushing's Support and Research Foundation 65 East India Row Suite 22B Boston, MA 02110-3389 cushinfo@csrf.net http://csrf.net Tel: 617-723-3674 Fax: same as phone |
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation 302 Ridgefield Court Asheville, NC 28806 info@pbtfus.org http://www.pbtfus.org Tel: 828-665-6891 800-253-6530 Fax: 828-665-6894 |
Pituitary Network Association P.O. Box 1958 Thousand Oaks, CA 91358 info@pituitary.org http://www.pituitary.org Tel: 805-499-9973 Fax: 805-480-0633 |
Preuss Foundation, Inc.
[For Brain Tumor Research] 2223 Avenida de la Playa Suite 220 La Jolla, CA 92037 fari@preuss.org Tel: 858-454-0200 Fax: 858-454-4449 |
Nevus Outreach, Inc 600 SE Delaware Ave Suite 200 Bartlesville, OK 74 cschoessow@nevus.org http://www.nevus.org Tel: 877-426-3887 918-331-0595 Fax: 281-417-4020 |
Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas (Hope for HH) P. O. Box 721 Waddell, AZ 85355 admin@hopeforhh.org http://hopeforhh.org/ |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
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Last updated November 30, 2012