Neurological cancers, also referred to as central nervous system (CNS) tumours, arise in the brain or spinal cord. These can be:

• Primary tumours, originating in CNS tissues;

• Secondary (metastatic) tumours, spreading from cancers elsewhere in the body. 

Many of these tumours are non-cancerous, but even non-cancerous tumours can be dangerous due to their growth within delicate neural structures.

CNS tumours are grouped largely by their cellular origin, which influences treatment and prognosis. Common types include:

• Gliomas – originate from glial cells and account for around 30% of all CNS tumours and 80% of malignant ones. Subtypes include:

• Astrocytomas (e.g., glioblastoma, pilocytic variants)

• Oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas

• Meningiomas – develop from the meninges (brain-spine coverings). Usually slow growing and often benign; however, higher-grade types can be more aggressive.

• Medulloblastomas – aggressive tumours more common in children, rare in adults.

• Other less common tumours include schwannomas, craniopharyngiomas, gangliogliomas, and more.

Symptoms vary based on tumour type, size, and location, and may include:

• Frequent headaches, seizures, balance issues, vision or cognitive changes

• Back or neck pain, limb weakness, or sensory changes for spinal tumours

When tumours compress nearby structures, even benign ones can be life-threatening.