Type
Tissue of Origin
Characteristics
Gliomas
• Astrocytoma
• Glioblastoma multiforme
• Oligodendroglioma
• Ependymoma
• Medulloblastoma
Meningioma
Acoustic neuroma (Schwannoma)
Pituitary adenoma
Hemangioblastoma
Primary central nervous system
lymphonema
Metastatic tumors
Supportive tissue, glial cells, and astrocytes
Primitive stem cell (glioblast)
Oligodendrocytes
Ependymal epithelium
Primitive neuroectodermal cell
Meninges
Cells that form myelin sheath around nerves;
commonly affects cranial nerve Vlll
Pituitary gland
Blood vessels of brain
Lymphocytes
Lungs, breast, kidney, thyroid, prostate
Can range from low-grade to moderate-grade malignancy
Highly malignant and invasive; among the most devastating of
primary brain tumors
Benign (encapsulation and calcification)
Range from benign to highly malignant; most are benign and
encapsulated
Highly malignant and invasive; metastatic to spinal cord and
remote areas of brain
Can be benign or malignant; most are benign
Many grow on both sides of the brain; usually benign or
low-grade malignancy
Usually benign
Rare and benign; surgery is curative
Increased incidence in transplant recipients and acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients
Malignant