Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Brain tumors do not have many risk factors and most have no known causes, but here are some things that may increase your risk of developing a brain tumor:
Radiation
Radiation exposure can damage your cells and put you at higher risk for a brain tumor. People who have received radiation to the head and neck region for another tumor are more likely to develop a brain tumor; however, the benefits of radiation therapy to control the original tumor far outweigh the risks of developing a new (secondary) tumor in the irradiated area.
Immune Disorders
People with immune system deficiencies are more likely to develop lymphomas of the brain. This includes people with AIDS and congenital immune disorders, along with people who have received treatment to prevent the rejection of organ transplants.
Family History
Except in very rare cases, brain tumors do not run in families. Certain genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Von-Hippel Lindau disease, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome can put family members at higher risk for developing certain types of brain tumors.
