Brain Tumor Risk Factors

By Jean Rothman | Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Doctors don't know what causes most brain tumors. Genetics and
exposure to certain chemicals play a role for some, but not all.

There are more than 100 different types of tumors that can start in the spinal cord and
brain. The tumors, which may be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), can
interrupt numerous normal activities such as thinking, feeling, moving, and even breathing.
Doctors may know the types of tumors, but they dont yet know the risk factors for them.
Some brain tumors occur as a result of a known genetic condition, such as neurofibromatosis
[in which nerve tissues grow tumors], but these represent less than 5 percent of all brain
tumors in adults as well as children, says Andrew Sloan, MD, director of the Brain Tumor
and Neuro-Oncology Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. We
arent sure what causes the other 95 percent, but there are several new trials designed to give
us much more data on risk factors than ever before.
One study, called Gliogene, is gathering information from patients and family members
around the world to help determine whether there are genes related to a kind of primary brain
tumor called a glioma. A glioma is the most common type of brain tumor. These tumors form
from nerve cells called glial cells. These cells form the brains supportive tissue.Gliogenes
goal is to examine tumor samples and blood from about 15,000 people who either have a
brain tumor or have a relative who has one. If a genetic link can be identified, it may lead to
better brain tumor treatment and preventive strategies in the future. The study involves
research teams in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, and Israel.

Brain Tumor: Are You at Risk?

There are some known risk factors for developing a spinal cord or brain tumor. But keep
in mind that having a risk factor doesnt mean youll get sick and not having one is no
guarantee that you wont.The risk of brain tumor may be influenced by these factors:

Gender. Spinal cord and brain tumors happen more frequently in males than in females,
except for meningiomas, which occur more often in females. A meningioma is a type of tumor
that grows in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Race. Caucasians get brain tumors more often than people of other races.
Age. In general, brain tumors are most often found in adults aged 70 or older. However,
children do get brain tumors. They are more common in children who are under 8 years old.
Family history. If a family member has a glioma, you are more likely to get one.

Radiation. Studies have found that people who work in the nuclear industry are at increased
risk for brain tumors. Also, if you were treated with radiation therapy in the past, either to the
head or brain, you may be at a higher risk for meningioma.
Formaldehyde. Studies show that certain workers who are exposed to formaldehyde are at an
increased risk for brain cancer. These include pathologists and embalmers. But people in other
kinds of careers that involve exposure to formaldehyde have not been found to be at higher
risk.
Vinyl chloride. Being exposed to this chemical, which is used in the making of plastics, may
increase a person's risk of getting a brain tumor.
Acrylonitrile. Exposure to this material, used in making textiles and plastics, may also be a
risk factor.
Genetic disorders. Having a genetic disorder can increase the chances of having the different
kinds of brain tumors, including: Neurofibromatosis (type 1 and type 2), Von Hippel-Lindau
disease, tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Turcot syndrome (type 1 and type 2),
Klinefelter syndrome, Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
Having the Epstein-Barr virus or AIDS, or having an organ transplant may increase a person's
risk of central nervous system lymphoma.

If you are concerned that you may be at risk for spinal cord or brain tumors, talk with your
doctor. Together, you can look at your medical history, talk about the possible risk factors, and
determine a course of action.