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What is the difference between a primary and secondary brain tumor?

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Created: July 26, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: What is the difference between a primary and secondary brain tumor?
Answer: Primary and secondary brain tumors are types of tumors.

Primary tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or benign, They rarely spread beyond the central nervous system. Whether the tumor is benign or malignant, the tumor is still taking up space in the skull, and can cause serious complications and symptoms.

Secondary brain tumors, often called metastatic tumors, are the result of cancer cells originating from another part of the body that have spread to the brain.

A very good example of metastatic cancer is the case of Lance Armstrong. Lance's cancer originated from the testicles, then spread to the abdomen, the lungs and the brain.

Secondary brain tumors often indicate advanced stages of disease.

Both cancerous primary and secondary tumors are life threatening. These types of tumors are usually very aggressive.
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