Central nervous system (CNS) cancers develop in your brain or spinal cord. These tumors can also be benign (noncancerous). Both noncancerous and cancerous CNS tumors may affect vital functions, such as thought, memory and movement.

Tumors can form in any part of the CNS:

• Brain stem: the bridge between your brain and spinal cord that controls breathing, heat rate and other involuntary functions.
• Cerebellum: the area of the brain that controls balance, walking and muscle movements.
• Cerebrum: the largest part of the brain that controls reasoning, speech, sensation and vision.
• Meninges: the three layers of membranes (thin tissues) that protect your brain and spinal cord.
• Spinal cord: a tube of nerve tissue that transmits signals between your brain and the rest of your body (peripheral nervous system).

Most CNS cancers in adults are secondary tumors. Secondary tumors spread to the brain or spinal cord from cancer elsewhere in the body, such as the breast or lungs. Primary CNS cancers start in the brain or spinal cord.

Experts aren’t sure what causes CNS tumors. They likely occur due to abnormal changes (mutations) in certain genes, but it's unclear what causes these changes. Only about 5% of CNS tumors are thought to be hereditary (linked to abnormal genes passed down through families).

Some risk factors increase your chances of developing a brain or spinal cord tumor, including:

At UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, we use the most advanced technology to detect and diagnose brain and spinal cord tumors as early as possible. Our state-of-the-art neuroimaging lab means all the tests you need are in one place.

Neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists and neuropathologists work together to streamline the diagnostic process. Whenever possible, we schedule your exams in as few visits as possible, so you can focus on living your life.

Your physician may recommend:  

• Biopsy: A biopsy is the only way to confirm brain or spinal cord cancer. We take a small sample of tissue from the tumor and examine it under a microscope. For hard-to-reach tumors, we do an MRI-guided stereotactic needle biopsy.  
• CT scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create multidimensional views of your head and spine. CT scans usually show tumors in the skull or spinal bones more clearly than an MRI.   
• MRI: An MRI is the most common imaging exam used to detect CNS cancer. This test uses radio waves (not radiation) to create highly detailed pictures of your brain and spinal cord. We also use functional MRI scans to map brain activity and plan surgery.  
• PET scan: During a PET scan, we inject a small amount of a radioactive substance into a vein. Cancer cells absorb the substance, so tumors show up on scans. PET scans are useful for showing us how fast cancer cells are growing and dividing.  

UC Davis has Comprehensive Cancer Center designation by the National Cancer Institute. This distinction means we adhere to the highest standards in safety and patient care – and deliver excellent outcomes.

We are uniquely qualified to care for people with brain or spinal cord tumors at every age and stage of life. Our robust pediatric cancer care program connects children with leading pediatric oncologists and the latest clinical trials. People with brain and spinal cord tumors receive expert care at our Department of Neurological Surgery.

Our state-of-the-art treatments for CNS cancers include:

Other Treatments for Brain and Spine Tumors

Brain and spine cancer treatments are highly customized to the tumor type and location, as well as your age, health and treatment goals. We draw on many treatments to make the best care plan for your needs, including:

• Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy works on specific proteins and genes in different types of tumors.
• Tumor treating fields use mild electrical currents, delivered through a noninvasive device, to disrupt tumor growth. 

There’s no proven way to prevent spinal cord or brain tumors. Limiting radiation exposure, especially in children, may reduce their risk of developing CNS tumors as adults.

Lifestyle changes, such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, may reduce your risk of some cancers.