Brain Tumors

Your tumor type is the first thing your team will determine. It’s essential that it’s accurate because it will become the foundation for your treatment. 

Doctors identify brain tumors based on where they appear in the brain and what kinds of cells they are made of. 

Metastatic Tumors 

Most brain tumors do not originate in the brain. Instead, they are metastatic, meaning cancer cells from elsewhere in the body have traveled, or “metastasized,” to the brain. Between 20 and 40 percent of all cancer patients develop metastatic brain tumors.   

Metastatic tumors can cause serious symptoms. However, they often respond well to treatment, especially radiation therapies. New drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier are also expanding treatment options for metastatic brain tumors. 

Glioblastoma 

Glioblastomas are the most common form of malignant brain tumor. They are primary tumors, meaning they originate in the brain. Because they grow and spread rapidly, they are among the most difficult brain tumors to treat. 

While no treatment can currently eliminate glioblastoma, several options can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow tumor growth—sometimes for years.   

At Siteman Cancer Center, we offer every possible treatment for glioblastoma, including more clinical trials than any other center in our region. Glioblastoma is a central focus of our WashU Medicine physician-researchers, giving you the best possible chance for more time doing what matters most to you.   

Meningiomas 

Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the meninges, the layer of tissue that covers the brain. Most are benign and slow-growing; some can be monitored for years without active treatment. Even so, benign meningiomas can interfere with quality of life and may require intervention.   

At Siteman, meningioma patients are treated through the Restorative Skull Base Program [LINK] in The Brain Tumor Center. Our WashU Medicine surgeons excel at removing meningiomas using a minimally invasive “keyhole” technique. This procedure approach has excellent clinical and cosmetic outcomes. 

Pituitary Tumors 

The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain, behind the nose and controls the body’s hormones. Tumors in the pituitary gland are almost always benign, though they can still cause problems, specifically issues with hormonal changes and vision issues.   

At Siteman, our WashU Medicine physicians are regional leaders in treating pituitary tumors. They see patients within our Pituitary Center at The Brain Tumor Center [LINK]. Most patients with this type of tumor achieve a full recovery.   

Acoustic Neuromas 

Acoustic neuromas form on the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. While not cancerous, they can cause hearing loss and balance problems. 

WashU Medicine physicians are national leaders in acoustic neuroma treatment, offering techniques not widely available, including a pioneering surgical procedure that can restore lost hearing.   

Other Gliomas 

Gliomas are tumors that begin in the brain cells that affect learning and memory. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type, but lower-grade gliomas are often easier to treat and carry a more favorable prognosis.   

Other glioma types include: 

• Low-grade Astrocytomas: Most gliomas, including glioblastoma, are astrocytomas. Low-grade astrocytomas grow slowly and are associated with a more positive prognosis. 
• Oligodendrogliomas: Graded as either II or III, oligodendrogliomas appear more often in younger adults and carry the most favorable prognosis of all adult glioma types. 
• Ependymomas: Ependymomas range from WHO Grade I through III. Grade I tumors are typically slow-growing and can often be fully removed through surgery.

Pediatric Brain Tumors 

Brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children, after leukemia, which makes pediatric brain tumor care one of the most critical and specialized areas of oncology.   

There are many different types of brain tumor that can occur in children. Some are benign and slow-growing; others are more aggressive and require immediate intervention. WashU Medicine physicians at Siteman Kids who treat pediatric brain tumors specialize in this critical kind of pediatric cancer care.