Causes and Types of Brain Tumours
The causes and types of brain tumours are varied and complex. While some are linked to inherited conditions or environmental exposures, many develop with no clear cause. Understanding the causes are key to early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment planning.
Causes of Brain Tumours:
- Genetic predisposition
Some people inherit faulty genes that increase their risk. Conditions like Neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis can lead to tumour formation. - Radiation exposure
Exposure to high doses of ionising radiation — often from previous cancer treatments — can increase the chance of brain tumours. - Environmental toxins
Although evidence is mixed, long-term exposure to certain chemicals or electromagnetic fields is being studied as a potential cause. - Immune suppression
People with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressive therapy may be at increased risk of brain lymphomas.
Types of Brain Tumours:
- Primary brain tumours
Originate in the brain or spinal cord. They can be:
- Gliomas (e.g. astrocytomas, glioblastomas)
- Meningiomas
- Pituitary adenomas
- Medulloblastomas (mostly in children)
- Secondary (metastatic) brain tumours
These spread from cancers elsewhere — commonly lung, breast, kidney, or melanoma. They are more common than primary brain tumours in adults. - Benign vs malignant
Benign tumours grow slowly and usually don’t spread, but they can still be life-threatening due to pressure on brain structures. Malignant tumours grow rapidly and invade nearby tissues.
In South Africa, awareness of the causes and types of brain tumours is growing, though challenges remain in rural outreach and early detection. Public and private sector facilities continue to strengthen diagnostic services and access to neuro-oncology expertise.
Knowing the causes and types of brain tumours helps individuals recognise symptoms early and seek timely care.
👉 [Next: Diagnosis and Evaluation of Brain Tumours]
