Secondary brain tumors originate from malignant tumors located in other body organs. These are also known as metastatic brain tumors. They reach the brain through the bloodstream.

Common originations of secondary brain tumors include:

Breasts (breast carcinoma)

Colon (colon carcinoma)

Kidney (hypernephroma)

Lungs

Skin (malignant melanoma)

Secondary brain tumors may be either benign or malignant. Symptoms may vary likewise, and many benign tumors are asymptomatic for years.