WHAT ARE PRIMARY BRAIN TUMORS?

A primary brain tumor is one that starts in the brain. Brain tumors are grouped into benign tumors and malignant tumors. Examples of primary tumors are glioblastoma multiforme, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma and ependymoma.

WHAT ARE METASTATIC BRAIN TUMORS?

Metastatic brain tumors are cancer cells that begin growing elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain via the bloodstream. They may also travel via a magnetic-like attraction to other organs of the body. Cancers of the lung, breast, colon and skin (melanoma) frequently travel to the brain and form metastatic brain tumors. All metastatic brain tumors are malignant and can truly be called “brain cancer.”

WHAT IS HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA?

Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can then spread to other areas of the body.

Lymphomas are cancers that start in white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are 2 main types of lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). They behave, spread, and respond to treatment differently, so it’s important for you to know which one you have.

Hodgkin lymphoma most often spreads through the lymph vessels from lymph node to lymph node. Rarely, late in the disease, it can invade the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, and/or bone marrow.

(Source: American Cancer Society)