This information is about astrocytic tumours, their symptoms and treatments. It should be read with our general information about brain tumours which has more detailed information about tests, treatments and their side effects.
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The brain controls the different functions of the body, how we think, feel, learn and move. The spinal cord is made up of nerves that run down the middle of the back (spine). Messages from the brain go back and forwards to organs in the body through the spinal cord.
Cells in the CNS normally grow in an orderly and controlled way. If for some reason this process gets out of control, the cells continue to divide and form a lump called a tumour.
A tumour may be either benign or malignant. Benign tumours may continue to grow, but the cells do not spread from the original site. In a malignant tumour, the cells can invade and destroy surrounding tissue and may spread to other parts of the brain.