What kind of disease is brain tumor? Is it benign or malignant?

A brain tumor, also known as an intracranial tumor, is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms in or around the brain. These masses are composed of cells that are not controlled by normal cell growth mechanisms and grow and multiply without restraint. Currently, more than 150 different brain tumors have been recorded and studied by the medical community. Brain tumors are divided into two main categories: primary and metastatic.

Primary brain tumors are tumors that originate in brain tissue or the environment surrounding the brain. These tumors can be further divided into glial tumors and nonglial tumors. Glial tumors are composed of glial cells, while nonglial tumors develop on or within the brain's structures, including nerves, blood vessels, and glands. Primary brain tumors can be benign or malignant, depending on how fast they grow, how aggressive they are, and whether they are prone to recurrence.

Metastatic brain tumors are tumors that spread to the brain from other parts of the body (such as breasts, lungs, etc.) through the blood. This type of tumor is considered a type of cancer and is a malignant tumor. Metastatic tumors to the brain are quite common among cancer patients, affecting nearly a quarter of cancer patients and affecting an estimated 150,000 people each year. Especially for lung cancer patients, up to 40% of patients may develop metastatic brain tumors.

In summary, brain tumors are complex diseases that can be benign or malignant. Its type, growth rate, and invasiveness vary among individuals. As medical technology continues to advance, more sophisticated diagnostic tools and innovative surgical and radiotherapy methods have helped prolong patients’ survival rates and improve their quality of life. However, the treatment of brain tumors is still a challenge and requires continued in-depth research and exploration by the medical community.

(Click to view an introduction to drugs for treating brain tumors)

References:

https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/brain-tumors/