Brain Tumor Types

Houston Methodist’s team of brain tumor specialists draw on decades of knowledge — as well as leading-edge neurosurgery research — to precisely diagnose your tumor type so we can treat it. Our team combines expertise to design a comprehensive treatment plan especially for you.

Types of Brain Tumors We Treat

Brain tumors can start in the brain itself (primary) or spread from elsewhere in the body (metastatic). Primary tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Researchers have identified more than 125 different types of brain tumors, which are categorized based on the types of cells they come from and where they occur. 

Houston Methodist neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of brain tumors, such as: 

• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas), which originate on the nerve that connects the inner ear with the brain.
• Chordomas, which begin at the base of the skull.
• CNS lymphoma, a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the lymphatic system.
• Germ cell tumors, a rare cancer that originates from cells that did not become sperm or eggs. 
• Gliomas, the most common type of primary brain cancer in adults.
• Meningioma, which affects the delicate tissue that protects the brain and spinal cord and is the most common type of non-cancerous primary brain tumor.
• Pineal-region tumors, which form deep within the brain and interfere with melatonin production.
• Pituitary tumors, which grow inside or on the surface of the pituitary gland.

Houston Methodist’s neurology and neurosurgery team assembles extensive expertise with the latest technology. We will precisely diagnose your tumor type and help show you the way forward with treatment options you will understand. Together, we will create the best care plan to improve your quality of life.