brain tumor

Is brain tumor heriditary?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  A very small portion (around 5%) of tumors originating from the brain are known to occur together with some hereditary disorders.  These include the following: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel Lindau disease, Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, familial polyposis and tuberous sclerosis.  Other risk factors associated with the development of brain tumors include radiation and chemical exposure. Examples of chemicals which increase brain cancer risk include polyvinyl chloride, lead, mercury and arsenic.