Benign: -least aggressive -originates from cells within or surrounding the brain -do not contain cancer cells, grow slowly -typically clear borders that do not spread to other tissue -usually can be removed and seldom grow back -may become malignant Malignant: - do not have clear borders -grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue -cells may break away from malignant brain tumors and spread to other parts of the or spinal cord Primary: -tumors that start in the cells of the brain may spread to other parts of the brain or spine but rarely to organs Metastatic: -tumors that begin in another part of the body and then spread to the brain Tumor Grade: (not the same as stage of cancer) The description of a tumor is based on the appearance of abnormal cells and the tumor tissue indicates how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems differ depending on the type of cancer. If a grading system for a type is not specified, the following is generally used GX: Grade cannot be assessed (grade cannot be determined) GI: Well differentiated (low grade), benign, grow slowly
Benign: -least aggressive -originates from cells within or surrounding the brain -do not contain cancer cells, grow slowly -typically clear borders that do not spread to other tissue -usually can be removed and seldom grow back -may become malignant Malignant: - do not have clear borders -grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue -cells may break away from malignant brain tumors and spread to other parts of the or spinal cord Primary: -tumors that start in the cells of the brain may spread to other parts of the brain or spine but rarely to organs Metastatic: -tumors that begin in another part of the body and then spread to the brain Tumor Grade: (not the same as stage of cancer) The description of a tumor is based on the appearance of abnormal cells and the tumor tissue indicates how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems differ depending on the type of cancer. If a grading system for a type is not specified, the following is generally used GX: Grade cannot be assessed (grade cannot be determined) GI: Well differentiated (low grade), benign, grow slowly