Brain tumours
Our body is made up of billions of cells that can only be seen under a microscope. Normally, cells only divide to replace old and worn out cells. A brain tumour develops when something inside a cell goes wrong, making the cell carry on dividing until it forms a lump or a tumour.
Read more about how cancer starts
Tumours that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours.
This is different from cancers that have spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body. These are called secondary brain cancers or brain metastases.
Find out more about secondary brain cancers
The brain is made of different tissues and cells which can develop into different types of tumours. There are over 100 different types of brain tumours.
We have information about the most common types of brain tumours
Generally, brain tumours can be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumours usually grow slowly. They are less likely to come back after treatment or to spread to other parts of the brain. Your doctor might refer to some benign brain tumours as low grade.
Each year around 6,700 people are diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in the UK.
Malignant brain tumours grow faster than benign tumours. They are more likely to come back after treatment and to spread to other parts of the brain. Your doctor might refer to malignant brain tumours as high grade.
Each year around 5,800 people are diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in the UK.
Doctors grade brain tumours into groups according to how quickly they are likely to grow. The grade of a brain tumour describes how abnormal the cells look under a microscope. It also gives doctors an idea of how the tumour might behave.
Read more about the different grades of brain tumours
The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of different types of cells and tissues. Brain tumours are usually named after the cell or tissue they started in.
Find out more about the brain and the spinal cord
Around 12,500 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK each year. This includes tumours in other parts of the central nervous system such as the:
spinal cord
covering of the brain (meninges)
nerves leading from the brain
Brain tumours are more common in older people. Each year 25 out of every 100 people (25%) diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumour in the UK are aged 75 or older.
Tumours affecting the brain and spinal cord are the second most common type of children’s cancer in the UK.
We have separate information about brain tumours in children
Last reviewed: 21 May 2026
Next review due: 21 May 2029
You usually start by seeing your GP who might refer you to a specialist. Or you might go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you suddenly have severe symptoms.
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
There are some factors that increase your risk of developing a brain tumour. These include being older, and a family history.
The grade of a brain tumour gives doctors an idea of how fast or slow the tumour might grow.
There are many different types of brain tumours. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
