Primary brain tumors originate in the brain, mostly from the glia, for example: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or ependymal cells.

Mixed gliomas, also called oligoastrocytomas, are mixed forms of brain tumors, which include a component of both astrocytic and oligodendroglial cells. Mixed types with both glial and neuronal components also exist.

Many types of primary brain tumors may be either benign or malignant. Glioblastoma multiforme is an extremely agressive type of malignant glioma. Pilocytic astrocytomas and teratomas often have a more favorable prognosis.

Different from other cancer types, metastasis in primary brain tumors is rare. When they do, the tumor cells spread through cerebrospinal fluid, rather than to other organs by the bloodstream.

Some types of primary brain tumors include:

Astrocytoma

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor

Ependymoma

Germinoma

Glioblastoma multiforme

Medulloblastoma

Mixed gliomas

Neuroblastoma

Oligoastrocytomas

Oligodendrogliomas

Pilotic astrocytoma

Retinoblastoma

Teratoma