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The pituitary gland, located in the brain, secretes the hormone adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) throughout the day to enable the production of cortisol and adrenaline when it is needed. These “fight or flight” hormones help us respond to stress and threatening situations, but ove ...

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer that most often develops in the salivary glands or other areas of the head and neck. It can also appear in the lungs, breast, cervix and prostate gland. Initial symptoms include a painless mass in the mouth or on the face. The ...

Astrocytoma is a tumor that arises from astrocytes—star-shaped cells that make up the supportive tissue of the brain. Most astrocytomas in children are benign and grow slowly, but are more aggressive in adults. They are most common in men older than 45 years of age. Best in ...

These rare brain tumors are usually found in children under age three. They can grow anywhere in the central nervous system but most often occur at the base of the brain. New tests using genetic markers are improving the outcomes for children with atypical teratoid rhabdoid ...

A metastatic brain tumor is a cancer that begins somewhere else in the body and spreads to the brain or spinal cord. They most commonly metastasize from the lungs, breasts, colon and kidney. It is one of the most common brain tumors, and it can produce a range of symptoms, i ...

These tumors grow where the brain and the spinal cord (the brain stem) connect.  Symptoms vary depending on the size, location and position of the tumor. As it grows, the mass puts pressure on the brain tissue and triggers symptoms such as headaches, problems with speech and ...

Carcinomatous meningitis is a cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another. It moves through the blood stream into the protective membranes of the brain and spine. People with blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, are more prone to developing carcino ...

This malignant tumor is located in the central nervous system –  the brain, spinal cord and nerves to the eyes. It grows in lymph tissue, often appearing as a lump or several lumps. The condition is most common in middle-aged adults and people with immune systems weakened by ...

Central neurocytoma is an extremely rare, benign tumor found in the ventricles – the fluid-filled areas of the brain. The tumors are most common in young adults and people of Asian descent. Central neurocytomas may obstruct spinal-fluid flow and put pressure on surrounding a ...

Cerebellopontine angle tumors (CPAs) occur between the lower part of the brain and the brain stem. Most CPAs are benign, but can cause nerve damage or compress the brain stem if not treated. About 90 percent of the time, the first symptom is hearing loss in one ear, accompan ...