Forms of Terminal Brain Cancer

A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Many different types of brain tumors exist. The extent or spread of cancer is usually described as stages. There is no standard staging system for brain tumors.

Grade I

Pilocytic astrocytomas has cells that look almost normal, but can spread to nearby tissues. These tumors occur most often in children and young adults and can usually be successfully removed by surgery.

Grade II

While diffuse astrocytoma grows slowly, it often spreads into nearby tissues and can progress to higher grades. It occurs most often in young adults.

Grade III

Anaplastic astrocytomas, developed at an average age of 41 years, grow quickly and spread to nearby tissues.

Grade IV

Glioblastomas, which appear very different from normal cells, are malignant astrocytomas that aggressively grow and spread. They usually occur between 45 and 70 years of age.

Brain Stem Gliomas

Brain stem gliomas are difficult to remove as they spread widely throughout the brain stem.

Pineal Astrocytic Tumor

Forming in or close to the pineal gland that makes the hormone melatonin, pineal astrocytic tumors may be any grade.

Resources

• National Cancer Institute