What causes secondary brain tumors?

When cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. Cancer that spreads to the brain from other parts of the body is different from primary brain tumors. When cancer cells spread to the brain from other organs (such as lung or breast), doctors may call the tumor in the brain secondary tumors or tumor metastases. secondary tumors in the brain is much more common than primary brain tumors.

What causes secondary brain tumors and who is at risk for brain tumors?

No one knows the exact cause of brain tumors. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops a brain tumor and another does not. However, it is clear that brain tumors are not contagious. No one can "catch" the disease from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop brain tumors. The risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Following risk factors associated with an increased opportunity for the development of primary brain tumors:

    Being male - In general, brain tumors are more common in males than females. However, meningiomas are more common in women.

    Race - Brain tumors are more common among whites than among people of other races.

    Age - Most brain tumors are detected in people aged 70 years or older. However, brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children. (Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer.) Brain tumors are more common in children younger than 8 years compared to older children.

    Family history - People with family members who have gliomas may be more likely to develop this disease.

    Being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals in the workplace:
    
        Radiation - Workers in the nuclear industry have an increased risk of brain tumors.

        Formaldehyde - Pathologists and embalmers who work with formaldehyde have a risk of brain cancer. The scientists have not found an increased risk of brain cancer among the types of workers exposed to formaldehyde.

        Vinyl chloride - Workers who make plastics may be exposed to vinyl chloride. This chemical may increase the risk of brain tumors.

        Acrylonitrile - People who make textiles and plastics may be exposed to acrylonitrile. This risk may increase the risk of brain cancer.

Scientists are investigating whether mobile phones can cause brain tumors. Studies so far have not found an increased risk of brain tumors among people who use mobile phones.

The scientists also continue to study whether head injury is a risk factor for brain tumors. So far, this study found no increased risk among people who had head injuries.

Most people who have known risk factors do not get brain cancer. On the other hand, many who get this disease have none of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. Doctors may be able to suggest ways to reduce risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.