A brain tumor is defined as the presence of a mass growing within the brain. Brain tumors that originate in the brain itself are called primary, while secondary (metastatic) tumors are those that originate in another part of the body, such as the lung, breast, or other source, and that at some point in their development spread to the brain.

Among the most common primary tumors are meningioma and glioblastoma.

In the pediatric population, central nervous system tumors represent the second leading cause of cancer mortality, after leukemia.

Based on their histology, they are divided into benign and malignant. Tumors require multidisciplinary management, since depending on the histology, they require treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Symptoms will depend on the patient’s age, location, and size, and range from headaches, seizures, increased head circumference in children, incoordination, frequent falls, decreased strength, and decreased vision. The prognosis will depend on the histology, as well as on timely diagnosis and treatment.