Brain Tumors

Most primary cancers of the central nervous system -- those of the brain and spinal cord -- are defined according to the type of cells from which they arise. The two most common primary brain tumors in adults are high-grade, or malignant, gliomas, which arise from the cells that surround and support the brain's nerve cells, and meningiomas, which are low-grade, non-cancerous, tumors that begin in the membranes that line the skull and cover the brain.

In this section, you can find information about our expertise in treating adults with tumors of the central nervous system, our services, and our research. For information on spine tumors, visit the Spine Tumor section of this Web site. For information on pediatric brain cancers, visit the Pediatric Cancer Care section of this Web site.

Newly Diagnosed
Information about what to do first and Memorial Sloan-Kettering's expertise presented for those who have been recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Our Approach & Expertise
For patients who have been recently diagnosed with a brain tumor: Find out why Memorial Sloan-Kettering might be the right treatment center for you.
Our Brain Tumor Center
The Brain Tumor Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering fosters collaboration between the Center's clinical and research arms by generating basic science and preclinical research on primary brain tumors and metastatic tumors to the brain, and in turn, promoting the translation of this research into clinical trials.
Our Team of Experts
Our team of brain tumor experts in neurology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology work together to diagnose and treat patients with primary brain tumors.
Overview
Meningiomas are the most common nonmalignant brain tumor in adults, and are often curable with surgery. Glioblastomas, the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, are probably the most resistant of all cancers to treatment.
Risk Factors
The only known risk factors for primary brain tumors are environmental, such as ionizing radiation, or immune suppression. People with certain rare genetic disorders also have an increased risk of developing certain brain tumors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a central nervous system cancer tumor depends upon its location within the brain or spinal cord. These symptoms can include headache, seizures, numbness, weakness, and problems with walking.
Diagnosis
The neurosurgeon, neurologist, radiologist, and neuropathologist work closely together to ensure the most accurate diagnosis of lesions in the central nervous system, and subsequently the best available treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for central nervous system cancers depends upon the specific kind of tumor diagnosed, and includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Making an Appointment
Appointments to see one of our neurologists or neurosurgeons are usually available within 1 week.
Our Clinical Trials
A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for cancers of the brain and spinal cord.
Supportive & Follow-up Care
Because of the tendency of many brain cancers to recur, the resistance of some brain cancers to treatment, and the possible side effects of these cancers and their treatments, long-term follow-up examinations are always advised.
Patient Stories
A collection of inspiring stories from current and former Memorial Sloan-Kettering adult patients.

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