Brain Tumors

Overview

A tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells. Brain tumors are classified as primary, which start in the brain, or secondary, which start in another part of the body and spread (metastasize) to the brain.

Primary brain tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Secondary brain tumors (metastatic brain tumors) are malignant and are more common. Either benign or malignant brain tumors may require treatment because, as they grow, they press on normal brain structures in the confined space inside the skull.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo's brain tumor treatment team has the expertise of more than 80 experienced and highly trained doctors who treat more than 3,600 children and adults with brain and other nervous system tumors each year.
• Teamwork. Mayo's world-renowned brain tumor specialists work together to deliver the most appropriate treatment for each person.
• Technology. Mayo makes extensive use of technology that improves your chances for positive outcomes.
• Efficiency. In Mayo's efficient system, brain tumor testing, diagnosis and the start of treatment can usually be done in days, not months.
• Newest research. Mayo doctors and scientists are active in the latest research on brain tumors, and Mayo Clinic participates in cooperative clinical trials networks, including the North Central Cancer Treatment Group.
• Neuro-Oncology Program. Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive program to diagnose and treat people with tumors of the brain, spinal cord and nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves). The Neuro-Oncology Program offers a multidisciplinary approach by doctors who have extensive experience managing nervous system cancer. Read about Mayo Clinic's Neuro-Oncology Program in Florida, Minnesota and Arizona.
• World famous services. Mayo Clinic pathologists are internationally known for their diagnostic skill. With one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world, Mayo pathologists analyze tissue not only for Mayo patients, but also for patients across the U.S. and around the world.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about brain tumors at MayoClinic.com.