There are thousands of brain tumors diagnosed in the United States each year. No one knows for sure what causes tumors, however some risk factors have been identified. For instance, some people have rare genetic conditions that make them more susceptible to developing tumors. Children who receive radiation might also be more likely to develop a tumor later in life.Ideally, the old cells in the human body are replaced when new cells develop. However, in tumor patients, this normal cell replacement process goes awry. An accumulation of old cells forms and creates a mass of unnecessary cells. This large build-up of abnormal cells is called a tumor.
