Types

Primary and secondary brain tumours

Tumours that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Cancer that has spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body is called secondary brain cancer or brain metastases.

It is important to know the difference between primary and secondary brain tumours. This is because the treatment you have depends on where your cancer started.

Read about the different types of primary brain tumours

Primary brain tumours

Primary brain tumours start in the brain. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or the spinal cord. Primary brain tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or non cancerous ().

Most malignant brain tumours in adults start in a part of the brain called the cerebrum (forebrain).

Diagram showing some of the main parts of the brain.

Brain tumours can also start in other parts of the brain, such as the:

layers of tissue that protect the brain (meninges)
spinal cord
or the

Most benign brain tumours in adults start in the meninges. They are called meningiomas.

Find out more about the brain and the spinal cord

Secondary brain tumours

Cancers that have spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body are called secondary brain cancer or brain metastases.

Where a cancer starts is called the primary cancer. If some cancer cells break away from the primary cancer, they can move through the bloodstream to another part of the body, forming a new tumour.

Secondary brain cancers are made of the same type of cells as the primary cancer. So, if your cancer started in the lungs, the areas of cancer in the brain are made up of lung cancer cells.

Which cancers spread to the brain?

Any type of cancer can spread to the brain. But the most common types are:

lung cancer
breast cancer
kidney cancer
melanoma skin cancer
bowel (colorectal) cancer

This happens because cancer cells can break away from the primary cancer and travel through the bloodstream to the brain. There they can grow into new tumours.

Find out more about secondary cancer

Last reviewed: 03 Mar 2026

Next review due: 03 Mar 2029

What are brain tumours?

Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.

Types of brain tumours

There are many different types of brain tumours. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.

Symptoms of a brain tumour

Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).

Treatment for brain tumours

Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.

Living with a brain tumour

It can be difficult to find out that you have a brain tumour. Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.