Advertisement
question

What are primary and metastatic tumors?

Riverside Cancer Care Center
Riverside Cancer Care Center
answer

Primary tumors of the CNS are growths that begin in the brain or spinal cord. They can be either malignant or benign and are identified by the types of cells they contain, their location, or both. Most primary CNS tumors occur in adults.

Metastatic, or secondary, tumors in the CNS are caused by cancer cells that break away from the primary tumor that developed in a non-CNS part of the body. These tumors are named after the type of cancer that causes them. Metastastic tumors (also called metastases) to the brain occur in about one-fourth of all cancers that develop in other parts of the body, such as cancer of the lung, breast, or kidneys; or melanoma, a form of skin cancer. They are more common than primary tumors and occur more often in adults than in children.

Metastatic spine tumors usually form within the bony covering of the spinal column but may also invade the spinal canal from the chest or abdomen.

While cancers elsewhere in the body can easily cause tumors inside the brain and spinal cord, CNS tumors rarely spread outside the nervous system.

This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Continue Learning about Cancer

What does cancer remission mean?
What does cancer remission mean?
A diagnosis of cancer carries with it understandable fear and distress. But powerful new therapies that harness our immune defenses—along with new ins...
Read More
What to know about palm oil and your health
What to know about palm oil and your health
If you’ve eaten baked goods or used cosmetics or soap, chances are you’ve encountered palm oil. While it's one of the world’s most frequently used veg...
Read More
Tips for healthy eating when you have cancer
Tips for healthy eating when you have cancerTips for healthy eating when you have cancerTips for healthy eating when you have cancerTips for healthy eating when you have cancer
Learn why the foods you eat could help you recover faster.  Eating healthy isn't always an easy task if you have cancer. You need nutrients more than...
Start Slideshow
9 cancer symptoms you should never ignore
9 cancer symptoms you should never ignore9 cancer symptoms you should never ignore9 cancer symptoms you should never ignore9 cancer symptoms you should never ignore
Learn which easy to miss symptoms may be a sign of cancer. Symptoms can sometimes be easy to miss. Even seemingly minor things, like a nagging cough ...
Start Slideshow

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.