It is possible for any type of cell within the brain or spinal cord to undergo neoplastic change. The bony confines of the skull means that mere growth and displacement of existing tissue causes disturbance - hence the phrase space occupying lesion; mass effects and focal signs result. Some are invasive and replace normal tissue.
The most common primary brain tumour is the glioma. Primary tumours of the neurones are rare. Secondary metastases are common, spreading through the bloodstream or by direct invasion.
Children and adults tend to be affected by different tumours. Medulloblastomas, pilocytic cerebellar astrocytomas, teratomas, pinealomas and craniopharyngiomas are confined to children and adolescents. Gliomas of the hemispheres, meningiomas, neurinomas, pituitary adenomas are seen in adult life into old age.
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