Acoustic neuromas are usually found only in adults and can be connected with the genetic disease called neurofibromatosis type II . This is a rare type of tumour that develops from blood vessel cells. Haemangioblastomas are almost always benign and grow very slowly. It may take several years for the symptoms to appear. The function of the pituitary gland is to secrete hormones which control and regulate the other hormone-producing glands of the body.
Pituitary tumours are benign and are called adenomas.
Symptoms often occur as a result of disturbances in vision or hormone levels. Spinal tumours often cause symptoms by pressing on the spinal nerves. These may include muscle weakness and pain in the back, neck and limbs. Sometimes the position of the tumour can lead to loss of control of the bladder and bowel. Some other types of primary cancers may spread to the brain, these are then known as secondary brain tumours or metastases.