Inherited Vs. Acquired Brain Tumour: Understanding the Difference
Published: Sep 19, 2025
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Published: Sep 19, 2025
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
When someone hears the word brain tumour, it often brings along a wave of fear, confusion, and a flood of questions. Among those questions is a common one: "Is it inherited?" Or, "Did something cause it later in life?"
The truth is, brain tumours can either be inherited or acquired, and knowing the difference between the two can be very important for both patients and their families. So, in this blog, we're going to walk you through what inherited and acquired brain tumours really mean, how they happen, and what it means for you or a loved one.
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. Not all brain tumours are cancerous-some are benign (non-cancerous), and others are malignant (cancerous). Whether benign or malignant, a tumour in the brain can cause symptoms because of its location and the pressure it puts on surrounding brain tissue.
Symptoms of brain tumour can include:
This brings us to the main topic: how these tumours start.
There are two broad categories when it comes to the origin of brain tumours:
Genetic mutations cause inherited brain tumours passed down from one generation to the next. In other words, these tumours occur because of a genetic predisposition, meaning certain people are born with mutations that make them more likely to develop tumours in the brain or other parts of the body.
Every person receives half of their DNA from their mother and the other half from their father. Sometimes, mutations in these genes can increase the likelihood that a tumor will grow. When inherited, these faulty genes can interfere with normal cell growth, which can lead to cancer.
There are a few rare hereditary syndromes that are strongly associated with brain tumours:
These conditions are rare, but for families that have them, genetic counselling and regular check-ups become extremely important.
Some types of brain tumours are more likely to be inherited, such as:
It depends. Most brain tumours are not inherited. But if multiple people in your family have had brain tumours or other cancers, especially at a young age, it might be worth speaking to a genetic counsellor.
Most brain tumours-about 90-95%-are acquired, meaning they develop during a person's life and are not related to family history.
Acquired brain tumours develop because of mutations in brain cells that happen over time. These changes can be due to:
While no one thing "causes" brain tumours, a few factors may increase risk:
Exposure to ionising radiation (such as previous radiation therapy)
Certain viruses (like Epstein-Barr Virus in rare cases)
It's important to keep in mind that many people with these risk factors never get a brain tumour, and many people who do have tumours don't have any recognised risk factors.
Whether inherited or acquired, the diagnosis process is quite similar:
Genetic testing may be advised if there is a strong family history or if the type of tumor points to a potential inherited disorder.
This should always be done under the guidance of a genetic counsellor, who can help you make informed choices based on the results.
The origin of the tumour (inherited or acquired) does not usually change the treatment itself, but it might influence:
Standard treatments include:
Support is essential whether you or a family member is coping with an acquired or inherited brain tumor. Support from social, psychological, and emotional sources can have a significant impact.
Helpful steps:
At the end of the day, knowing whether a brain tumour is inherited or acquired doesn't change the fact that it's a challenging diagnosis, but understanding the difference can:
Remember, most brain tumours are not inherited. Thanks to medical advancements, treatment options continue to improve every year. Whether inherited or acquired, no one needs to face it alone-doctors, counsellors, and communities are here to help.
Dr. Shagufta Parveen is a medical and scientific content writer with expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. She holds a B.Pharm and Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate) degree from Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad. During her clinical stint at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, she gained hands-on experience in the Clinical Pharmacology Department. Combining scientific knowledge with strong medical writing skills, Dr. Shagufta develops evidence-based healthcare content, treatment guides, and patient education resources. Her work focuses on simplifying complex medical concepts while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping readers better understand healthcare advancements and treatment options.
Amit Bansal is a serial entrepreneur, Co-Founder, and CEO of MediGence. He has more than 17 years of strong technology experience. Having worked for some of the recognized companies in India, Australia and traveled worldwide to help businesses to grow multi-folded under his leadership and strategic guidance.
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