Ruvini Abeygunaratne

Primary brain tumours are those which arise from the brain parenchyma itself or the meninges. The incidence is low comparative to other tumours but if considering primary and secondary brain tumours the incidence is between 1-2% of cancers. Primary brain tumours can be classified according to a number of methods, but here I will classify them as being gliomas (Astrocytoms. Oligodendrogliomas and Ependymomas) and meningeal tumours. The management of these tumours have changed significantly in the last few years, but the prognosis of malignant high grade gliomas still remains poor. Advances in molecular profiling of tumours plays an important role in individualised treatment for patients to improve their response and improve quality of life.