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Brain Tumor

Definition of brain tumor: The growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). 

Estimated new cases and deaths from brain and other nervous system cancers in the United States in 2013:

  • New cases: 23,130
  • Deaths: 14,080

See the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Brain Tumors to learn about brain tumor symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.

For an overview of research advances, see Cancer Advances In Focus: Brain and Other Central Nervous System Cancers.

Treatment

Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapyMore...

Prevention, Genetics, Causes

Information related to genetics, risk factors, and prevention

Clinical Trials

Information and current news about clinical trials and trial-related data

Cancer Literature

Resources available from the PubMed database

Research and Related Information

Includes NCI-supported research, funding opportunities, and special reports

Statistics

Information related to cancer incidence, mortality, and survival

Related Pages

General Cancer Resources

  • Coping with Cancer: Supportive and Palliative Care
    Managing physical, emotional, and lifestyle effects of cancer and treatment on patients and families; also includes information on finances, insurance, and healthcare services.
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
    Healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer care.
  • Learn About Clinical Trials
    Perhaps you are thinking about participating in a clinical trial. Or maybe you have a friend or family member with cancer and are wondering if a clinical trial is right for them. This section contains basic information about clinical trials, things to think about when deciding to take part and questions to ask your doctor.