Brain Tumours

Canadian Alliance of Brain Tumour Organizations

The Canadian Alliance of Brain Tumour Organizations (CABTO) is an alliance of volunteer organizations, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of brain tumour patients and families.

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Learn more about the Canadian Alliance of Brain Tumour Organizations.

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Although brain tumors are not always malignant — a condition that spreads and becomes potentially lethal — these growths always are serious because they can interfere with normal brain activity.

Primary brain tumors arise within the brain, whereas metastatic (also called secondary) brain tumors spread from other parts of the body through the bloodstream. The incidence of primary brain tumors is about 15 per population of 100,000. About 5,000 new cases occur in Canada every year.

Symptoms vary according to location and size, but seizures and headache are among the most common. As a tumour expands it can increase pressure within the skull, causing headache, vomiting, visual disturbances, and impaired mental functioning. Brain tumors are diagnosed with MRI and CT scanning.

Treatment options for primary brain tumors are limited. Surgery is generally the first step if the tumor is accessible and vital structures will not be disturbed. Radiation is used to stop a tumor’s growth or cause it to shrink. Chemotherapy destroys tumor cells that may remain after surgery and radiation but is not very effective for gliomas. Steroid drugs relieve brain swelling, and antiepileptic drugs control seizures.