A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in your brain. Many different types of brain tumors exist. Some brain tumors are noncancerous (benign), and some brain tumors are cancerous (malignant).

How do people get brain tumors?

Doctors are not sure what causes most brain tumors. Mutations (changes) or defects in genes may cause cells in the brain to grow uncontrollably, causing a tumor. The only known environmental cause of brain tumors is having exposure to large amounts of radiation from X-rays or previous cancer treatment.

Are brain tumors fatal?

Today, an estimated 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor, and approximately 85,000 more will be diagnosed in 2021. Brain tumors can be deadly, significantly impact quality of life, and change everything for a patient and their loved ones.