Stay up-to-date on the latest news from Hoag

Brain Tumor

(949) 722-6237

When facing a brain tumor, there’s no room for doubt. At Hoag, you can trust you’re in expert hands. Our doctors use the most advanced techniques, guided by the latest clinical research, to ensure you receive the highest level of care possible.

Quick Support

Clinical Trials & Research

Our clinical trials in the areas of brain tumors and immunotherapy/cell therapy provide groundbreaking treatments that are helping to beat the odds against brain cancer.

Learn More

Supportive Resources

Hoag is the top choice for cancer care in Orange County, with cancer survival rates that continually exceed national averages. Our dedicated, world-class teams are wholly focused on helping you survive cancer, heal and move forward with your life.

See Resources

There is No Second-Guessing When Faced with a Brain Tumor

At Hoag, we know every person needs a dedicated team of experts to help them beat brain cancer. Here you can trust you’re with the right doctors, using the most advanced techniques, based on the latest clinical research.

Renowned, Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology

Dr Simon Khagi, Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology at Hoag’s Family Cancer Institute, specializes in primary and metastatic brain cancers and spinal cord tumors. Active in clinical research, Dr. Khagi studies the development of cancer vaccines and the effects of immunotherapy and precision/genomic-guided therapy on cancer outcomes – to help you conquer cancer.

Meet Hoag's Director of Neuro-Oncology

World-Class Oncologic Neurosurgery Team

You don’t want just any surgeon treating a brain or spine malignancy – you want the best. Hoag’s subspecialty trained neuro-oncology surgeons focus solely on their individual specialty areas. Whether you’re facing a glioblastoma or brain metastases, you can be confident that your surgeon’s depth of expertise is unparalleled.

Meet the Team

Groundbreaking Clinical Research

At Hoag, you have access to the latest clinical trials that are making advances in treatment of brain and spine tumors. Our clinical trials in the areas of glioblastoma, meningioma, advanced glioma, brain metastases, and immunotherapy/cell therapy, among others, provide groundbreaking treatments that are helping to beat the odds against brain cancer.

Learn about Clinical Research and Trial Available at Hoag

With Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation, the Future is Now

Hoag is one of few hospitals in the nation to use the Precision Virtual Reality medical visualization platform by Surgical Theater, combining flight-simulation technology with imaging scans to create a 360-degree reconstruction of a patient’s scan – allowing oncologic neurosurgeons to rehearse their approach to surgery before ever entering the operating room.

Learn More about Virtual Reality at Hoag

Hoag’s Comprehensive Program for Skull Base & Pituitary Tumors

The program focuses on combining the latest advanced and emerging technology with minimally invasive techniques in order to offer the best possible outcomes to patients with these rare and complex tumors. The majority of these surgeries are done through tiny incisions or using naturally occurring orifices such as the nostrils.

Learn more about our Skull Base & Pituitary Tumors Program

Navigating Your Care

Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s dedicated subspecialty clinical nurse navigators are here to support you with resources and connections to providers. They offer guidance across every aspect of care, from specialists to dieticians, physical and occupational therapists, mental health professionals, social workers and other resources. They also support your family, caregivers and loved ones with a full range of services that include psychology, patient education and support groups.

Meet Your Navigator

The Most Advanced Radiation Treatment Options

Hoag offers the full range of leading-edge radiation treatment options available for brain and spine tumors including one of Southern California’s few Gamma Knife programs for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment and ViewRay MRIdian Linear Accelerator for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments.

Learn about Treatment Options at Hoag

Integrated Care & Support Network

Hoag’s integrated care network will support you every step of the way – from advanced diagnostic and treatment methods to comprehensive support services addressing every aspect of your care. We begin by providing an individualized treatment plan, designed by experts who specialize in your speciﬁc type and stage of cancer.

Learn about Support Services at Hoag

Begin Your Journey

1

Find the Right Provider

Get care from medical providers that fit your needs in a location near you.

Find a provider

2

Explore Cancer Resources

Find information made to guide and support you on your journey. ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌

See all resources

3

Get in touch

Didn’t see what you’re looking for? Reach out and we’ll make sure you get what you need. ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌

Types of Brain Tumors

Types of Skull Base Tumors

How Brain Tumors are Diagnosed

Your physician will likely start by discussing your symptoms and your personal and family health history, followed by a thorough physical exam. If your doctor finds cause for concern, you will be referred to a specialist in conditions of the nervous system and brain. Depending on the outcome of that visit, you may be asked to complete certain tests or procedures. At Hoag, these may include:

Computed tomography (CT) scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans

If these imaging tests find evidence of a brain tumor, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to determine the type of tumor and other factors. A stereotactic biopsy is performed by inserting a hollow needle through the skull and into the tumor to extract a small tissue sample, which is then tested in a lab.

Precision Medicine

Hoag’s Precision Medicine program combines genomics and genetics to develop targeted therapies, creating the highest degree of accuracy in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Using the latest advances in research, genomic technologies and targeted therapies, the program provides patients with the latest innovations in medicine. Learn more about Precision Medicine at Hoag.

Treatment Options for Brain Tumors

Treatment options for brain tumors depend on many different factors, including your age, overall health, how much the tumor has spread, where it is located in your brain and other considerations.

At Hoag, treatment options for brain tumors may include:

Surgery, which is usually performed through an opening made in the skull called a craniotomy. Often, the surgeon will rely on detailed medical imaging scans to plan the surgery to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue, or advanced techniques like cortical mapping to help preserve more normal brain function. At Hoag, we utilize the only PET/MRI instrument in Orange County to precisely guide surgical intervention in the brain.
- Precision Virtual Reality medical visualization platform by Surgical Theater
- Hoag is also a leader in the use of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (SRS) and conformal focused radiation therapy. Explore radiation oncology at Hoag.
- Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Radiation therapy, which involves beaming radiation into the tumor to kill cancerous cells.
- ViewRay MRIdian linear accelerator for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Drug therapy, including to help regulate the amount of hormones in the blood caused by tumors near the pituitary gland.
- Chemotherapy, in which drugs that disrupt the growth of tumors are introduced into the blood, usually over a period of weeks or months.
Advanced immunotherapy and biologics, use a patient’s own cells and immune system to find and destroy tumor cells. Learn more about immunotherapy and cell therapy at Hoag.
- Adoptive cell therapy (i.e. CAR-T cells) is a form of immunotherapy where immune cells are removed from a patient’s bloodstream, reprogrammed to attack a protein found in brain tumors and reintroduced to destroy cancer. CAR-T is showing huge potential for brain tumor treatment.
Genomically-guided therapy uses a patient’s DNA to determine which mutations affect responses to a particular drug and are most likely to be effective.
Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging treatment that uses anticancer viruses to destroy cancerous tissues without causing harm to normal tissues.
Alternating tumor treating fields are mild, electrical fields that pulse through a patient to disrupt a tumor’s ability to grow and spread. The fields are delivered through a device worn on a patient’s scalp. Studies have shown promise in survival rates without many of the side effects of traditional treatment.

Neurosurgeons

Robert G. Louis Jr, MD

Dr. Robert Louis, MD, is a highly trained and fellowship-certified brain and spine surgeon in Orange County, specializing in minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques. Raised in a Boston suburb, he completed his undergraduate studies at Boston University before earning his medical degree. He then pursued a prestigious neurosurgical residency at the University of Virginia under Dr. John Jane, completing over 1,200 cases across cranial and spinal neurosurgery. His training emphasized complex brain tumor, skull base, and pituitary surgery, including extensive mentorship under Dr. Edward Oldfield, a world-renowned pituitary surgeon. To further refine his expertise, Dr. Louis completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at the John Wayne Cancer Institute under Dr. Daniel Kelly, making him the only fellowship-trained minimally invasive neurosurgeon in Orange County.  As the Director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program at Hoag Memorial Hospital, Dr. Louis specializes in endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures for brain, skull base, and sellar tumors. Utilizing advanced neuroimaging and navigation, he employs keyhole neurosurgery to minimize disruption to surrounding structures, reducing post-operative pain and complications while promoting faster recovery. His expertise also extends to a range of minimally invasive spine procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, artificial cervical disc arthroplasty, and posterior cervical fusion with instrumentation. Dedicated to innovation, he continuously integrates the latest advancements in neurosurgical techniques to improve patient outcomes.  Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Louis is deeply involved in research, with a particular interest in microsurgical neuroanatomy and the development of novel neurosurgical procedures. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to numerous book chapters, furthering the field’s understanding of neuroanatomy and surgical advancements. His commitment to both patient care and research ensures that he remains at the forefront of neurosurgery, offering cutting-edge treatments that enhance both safety and efficacy.  </div>

Ezequiel D. Goldschmidt, MD

Dr. Ezequiel Goldschmidt is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who specializes in the care of patients with skull base and brain tumors. Originally from Argentina, Dr. Goldschmidt earned both his MD and PhD from the prestigious Buenos Aires University Medical School. He completed his neurosurgery residency and cranial base surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, one of the leading centers in this field and the birthplace of modern endonasal surgery. He was then awarded the prestigious Van Wagenen Fellowship—a rare honor given biennially—where he advanced his research at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, a world-renowned hub for neuroscience and home of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. There, Dr. Goldschmidt developed a novel experimental brain bypass surgery, which he currently studies at the Weill Institute in Berkeley. A committed physician-scientist, Dr. Goldschmidt has led impactful research efforts at the intersection of neurosurgery and technology. He has received multiple prestigious awards including the joint UCSF and UC Berkeley Bakar fellowship where he leads a multidisciplinary team to design soft robots, able to enhance and advance minimally invasive brain surgery. With over 700 skull base surgeries since 2021, his clinical acumen is matched by an impressive research portfolio that is set to produce over 90 publications, numerous grants as well as national and international presentations. Dr. Goldschmidt is a fellow of the Congress of Neurological Surgery and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, where he is a member of the tumor committee; he also sits on the board of directors of the California Association of Neurological Surgeons and is an active member and lecturer at the North American Skull Base Society. He is an active scientist and holds appointments both at UCSF and UC Berkeley. Beyond his surgical precision and academic career, Dr. Goldschmidt is driven by a personal mission to reduce the impact of brain surgery in patients’ lives. From a young age, he discovered his passion for medicine through a high school that valued scientific curiosity and critical thinking.. Known for his warm, communicative approach, Dr. Goldschmidt ensures patients and families can always reach him directly at all times—because healing extends beyond the operating room. Outside the hospital, he enjoys time with his family and pets (that are like family), swimming, mentoring future neurosurgeons, and constantly exploring opportunities to better the brain health of our community. A full list of Dr. Goldschmidt's publications can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=ezequiel+goldschmidt&sort=date"

Christopher M. Duma, MD

Dr. Christopher Duma is one of the most experienced neurosurgeon specialists in the field of Gamma Knife radiosurgery and brain tumor surgery. Dr. Duma has been performing Gamma Knife radiosurgery since 1990, and brings to Hoag patients an incredible level of physician expertise. Dr. Duma treats nearly 200 patients per year and because he also performs open, general cranial neurosurgery, he is uniquely equipped to offer an unbiased opinion about the management of any particular problem. In addition to his work with the Gamma Knife, Dr. Duma is involved with research in gene therapy, genetically engineered cells and vaccines to fight malignant brain tumors. He has also been at the forefront of research in immunotherapy for primary brain tumors and the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Duma has authored numerous articles, studies and book chapters, and continues to investigate new clinical applications for stereotactic radiosurgery.

Vivek A. Mehta, MD

Mehta is Neurosurgeon with particular expertise in complex and minimally invasive brain and spine surgery. He is a member of the Hoag Epilepsy Surgery Program at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute.  He was raised in Orange County and completed medical school with Alpha Omega Alpha Honors at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In college, he was named to the USA Today All-Academic First Team as one of the top 20 colleges students in the United States.  After completing medical school, Dr. Mehta completed advanced training in neurosurgery at the University of Southern California under Drs. Michael Apuzzo, Martin Weiss, Gordon McComb and Steven Giannotta and in Epilepsy and Stereotactic Neurosurgery with Dr. Charles Liu.  Prior to joining Hoag, he was on staff at the University of Southern California as an attending neurosurgery at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, the nations busiest Level 1 neurosurgery trauma center.  He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Neuro-Oncologists

Simon Khagi, MD

<div> Simon Khagi, MD, is Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute and a board certified medical and neurological oncologist. Dr. Khagi’s areas of expertise include treating primary brain and spine cancers, as well as lung cancers and advanced skincancers. His areas of expertise include: immunotherapy, genomically-guided therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, adoptive cell therapy (i.e. NK and chimeric antigen receptor T cells), and alternating tumor treating fields. He has significant experience with glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, meningioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, germ cell tumors, brain metastases, rare brain tumors, lung cancers, melanoma, and other advanced skin cancers. Dr. Khagi has always felt a strong connection with patients and families battling cancer. His desire to help them motivated him to become an oncologist. According to Dr. Khagi, he considers quality and quantity of life as two sides of the same coin when supporting his patients. Valuing both is a cornerstone of the care he provides. Previously, Dr. Khagi was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He also served as an Associate Oncology Service Line Director and Regional Medical Director at Dartmouth Cancer Center. Prior to joining Dartmouth, Dr. Khagi served as the Director of the Neuro-Oncology and Brain Metastases Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC. Dr. Khagi is active in clinical research, having conducted numerous clinical trials focusing on glioblastoma, meningioma, advanced glioma, and brain metastases, among others. While at UNC, he led many novel research protocols, including the first institutional use of a live virus delivered directly into the brain against brain tumors, in addition to contributing to the development of a novel CAR T cell technology for glioblastoma. To date, Dr. Khagi has authored or co-authored over fifty book chapters, peer-reviewed manuscripts and abstracts. Selected list of publications. Having received multiple honors throughout his career and being inducted as a fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Khagi has also received the “Healthcare Hero Award” from the Head for the Cure Foundation and the “Exemplary Service Award” from the UNC Division of Medical Oncology along with multiple research grants. Dr. Khagi feels strongly about raising awareness of the societal burden of cancer and speaks regularly at community outreach events, in addition to sitting on multiple advisory boards focused on improving cancer care. Dr. Khagi has always felt a strong connection with patients and families battling cancer. The desire to help them motivated him to become an oncologist. According to Dr. Khagi, he considers quality and quantity of life as two sides of the same coin when supporting his patients. Valuing both is a cornerstone of the care he provides. Previously, Dr. Khagi was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He also served as an Associate Oncology Service Line Director and Regional Medical Director at Dartmouth Cancer Center. Prior to joining Dartmouth, Dr. Khagi served as the Director of the Neuro-Oncology and Brain Metastases Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC. Dr. Khagi is active in clinical research, having conducted numerous clinical trials focusing on glioblastoma, meningioma, advanced glioma, and brain metastases, among others. While at UNC, he led many novel research protocols, including the first institutional use of a live virus delivered directly into the brain against brain tumors, in addition to contributing to the development of a novel CAR T cell technology for glioblastoma. To date, Dr. Khagi has authored or co-authored over fifty book chapters, peer-reviewed manuscripts and abstracts. Selected list of publications. Having received multiple honors throughout his career and being inducted as a fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Khagi has also received the “Healthcare Hero Award” from the Head for the Cure Foundation and the “Exemplary Service Award” from the UNC Division of Medical Oncology along with multiple research grants. Dr. Khagi feels strongly about raising awareness of the societal burden of cancer and speaks regularly at community outreach events, in addition to sitting on multiple organizational boards focused on improving cancer care. </div>

Do I Have Brain Cancer?

There are many different types of brain tumors, each usually classified by where they start in the brain or the type of cells they started from. Types of brain tumors include:

Craniopharyngiomas, which are tumors that begin between the bottom of the brain and the pituitary gland. These tumors often press on the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, and can cause issues with hormone secretion. Because they often occur close to the optic nerves, they can also cause problems with vision.
Glioblastomas (also called GBM) are grade 4 malignant (cancerous) tumors predominantly made up of abnormal astrocytic cells, but also contains a mix of different cell types (including blood vessels) and areas of dead cells (necrosis). Glioblastomas can invade nearby regions of the brain and may also sometimes spread to the opposite side of the brain. It is exceedingly rare for glioblastomas to spread outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Gliomas, which are tumors that start in specialized cells in the brain called glial cells. There are several subtypes of gliomas, including ependymomas, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. According to the American Cancer Society, about 30% of brain tumors are gliomas.
Meningiomas are tumors that start in meninges, which are the tissues that cover the outer part of the brain and spinal cord. According to the ACS, meningiomas are the most common non-metastatic brain tumors in adults.
Gangliogliomas, which are rare, slow-growing tumors that include a mix of both abnormal glial cells and neurons.
Medulloblastomas, which are tumors that develop in the cerebellum from immature nerve cells called neuroectodermal cells. Medulloblastomas are more common in children and adults.
Schwannomas (AKA neurilemmomas), which are tumors that develop from specialized cells that protect and insulate nerves called Schwann cells. These tumors can begin in any nerve in the skull. When they occur on the nerve that controls balance and hearing, they are called “vestibular schwannomas.” Other forms of schwannomas can intrude on the upper spinal cord, causing issues with bowel/bladder control, muscle weakness and other effects.

Both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors cause symptoms that can severely impact a person’s health. These symptoms can be caused by malignant tumors spreading to other parts of the brain, or non-cancerous tumors pressing on nerves, the pituitary gland, spinal cord or brain tissue. Brain tumors can also increase what’s called intracranial pressure inside the skull, either through the growth of the tumor, causing the brain to swell, or blocking the movement of cerebrospinal fluid that the brain needs to function.

According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms caused by increased intracranial pressure due to a brain tumor can include:

Headaches that grow in severity over time. While most headaches aren’t related to brain tumors, headaches are the most common symptom experienced by those with brain tumors, occurring in about half of those diagnosed according to the ACS.
Unexplained drowsiness
Sudden onset of coma
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Seizures, though over 90% of first-time seizures are not related to brain tumors.
Changes to a person’s behavior or personality

Issues with balance or walking

Other symptoms related to brain tumors can vary, depending on the part of the brain in which the tumor occurs. According to the American Cancer Society, these symptoms can include:

Problems understanding words or speaking, which can be related to a tumor in the cerebellum near the part of the brain responsible for speech and language.
Numbness or weakness, usually on only one side of the body, which can be related to a tumor in the part of the cerebellum that controls movement.
Changes to personality or problems thinking, which can be related to tumors in the cerebellum.
Trouble walking, issues with control of the hands and feet, problems swallowing and/or issues with controlling the eyes, which may be related to tumors in the lower-rear part of the cerebellum.
Vision problems, which can be related to tumors near the optic nerve or other cranial nerves that control eye movement.
Hearing loss, numbness or pain in the face, trouble swallowing and/or balance issues, which may be related to tumors pressing on or invading nerves in the head.
Bladder/bowel control issues and/or numbness/weakness in the arms and legs, which can be related to tumors near the spinal cord.
Over- or underproduction of certain hormones, which can be related to tumors in the skull base or near the pituitary gland. This can create hormone imbalances that seriously impact the normal function of the body. Learn more about skull base and pituitary tumors.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news from Hoag

Stay up-to-date on the latest news from Hoag

Brain Tumor

When facing a brain tumor, there’s no room for doubt. At Hoag, you can trust you’re in expert hands. Our doctors use the most advanced techniques, guided by the latest clinical research, to ensure you receive the highest level of care possible.

Quick Support

Clinical Trials & Research

Supportive Resources

There is No Second-Guessing When Faced with a Brain Tumor

Renowned, Medical Director of Neuro-Oncology

World-Class Oncologic Neurosurgery Team

Groundbreaking Clinical Research

With Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation, the Future is Now

Hoag’s Comprehensive Program for Skull Base & Pituitary Tumors

Navigating Your Care

The Most Advanced Radiation Treatment Options

Integrated Care & Support Network

Diagnosing & Treating Brain Tumors

Hoag Family Cancer Institute Locations

Begin Your Journey

1

Find the Right Provider

2

Explore Cancer Resources

3

Get in touch

Types of Brain Tumors

CraniopharyngiomasPlus Icon

GlioblastomasPlus Icon

GliomasPlus Icon

MeningiomasPlus Icon

GangliogliomasPlus Icon

MedulloblastomasPlus Icon

SchwannomasPlus Icon

Types of Skull Base Tumors

ChordomasPlus Icon

ChondrosarcomasPlus Icon

Colloid CystPlus Icon

Epidermoid CystPlus Icon

GliomasPlus Icon

HemangioblastomaPlus Icon

MeningiomasPlus Icon

Metastatic Brain TumorsPlus Icon

Olfactory NeuroblastomaPlus Icon

ParagangliomasPlus Icon

Sinonasal CarcinomaPlus Icon

SubependymomaPlus Icon

Vestibular Schwannomas (Acoustic Neuromas)Plus Icon

Types of Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary AdenomasPlus Icon

AcromegalyPlus Icon

Cushing Syndrome/Cushing's DiseasePlus Icon

CraniopharyngiomasPlus Icon

Rathke Cleft CystPlus Icon

How Brain Tumors are Diagnosed

Precision Medicine

Treatment Options for Brain Tumors

Clinical Trials & Research for Brain Cancer

Meet Hoag's Brain Tumor Team

Neurosurgeons

Neuro-Oncologists

Radiation Oncologists

Nurse Navigator

Hoag's Precision Medicine Program

Hoag Family Cancer Institute Social Workers

Hoag Family Cancer Institute Dietitians

Empowering You Before, During and After Cancer Treatment

Patient and Family Orientation

Supportive Care & Survivorship Program

Helpful Resources

World-Class Cancer Treatment. Right here in OC.

Do I Have Brain Cancer?

What are brain tumors?Plus Icon

How are brain tumors classified?Plus Icon

What are the different types of brain tumors?Plus Icon

What are the symptoms of brain cancer?Plus Icon