A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. It is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. A cancerous tumor, also called a neoplasm, is a growth that can spread to other parts of the body. Not all brain tumors are cancerous; some are benign, or non-cancerous. Some brain tumors arise from brain tissue. Others result from the spread of cancer cells from some another part of the body to the brain. Not all brain tumors are fatal.

Benign tumors are growths that do not invade tissue or spread to the rest of the body. These types of tumors have well-defined borders. A malignant tumor, or cancer, extends into surrounding tissues. Benign or Tumor growth can place pressure on the brain's vital structures. The resulting symptoms depend on the tumor's location in the brain. These symptoms may include:
* headaches which can range from mild to severe,
* fatigue,
* nausea and forceful vomiting,
* personality changes, such as irritability of rapid changes in mood,
* seizures or epilepsy,
* changes in specific brain functions, such as loss of speech or ability to walk or see, or
* hormone changes resulting in increased hairiness, unusual growth or changes in sexual appearance.

Despite research into the causes of tumors, no one can tell exactly why a tumor starts to grow. Evidence points to the following as the major causes of tumors:
* an inherited trait,
* chemical exposure,
* viral infections, or
* radiation exposure.

Treatment depends on the type and the location of the tumor and the condition of the patient. Complete surgical removal may be possible. This is true if the tumor is not in a critical or hard to reach part of the brain. Surgery is often helpful in reducing pressure and relieving symptoms, even if the tumor cannot be totally removed. Surgery also permits taking some tissue (a biopsy) to see what kind of tumor it is. This helps in picking useful treatment. Treatment may involve:
* radiation,
* chemotherapy or hormone therapy,
* treatment using heat or cold,
* further surgical procedures, or
* a combination of any of the above.

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