Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

A brain or spinal cord tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain or spinal cord develop and grow out of control. The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system (CNS).

Tumors can be identified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors don’t spread around the body and typically have no potential to be fatal. Malignant tumors are more dangerous as they can spread to other parts of the body. However, the distinction is less necessary for brain tumors as both benign and malignant forms of this disease can be life-threateningly dangerous due to the fragility and space of the nervous system.