Brain cancer growth. (Image 2 of 2) Coloured computed tomography (CT) scan in axial section through the head of a 49 year old man with a malignant astrocytoma brain tumour (pink, upper right). This cancer arises from astrocytes (a type of supportive glial cell) in the brain. The cancer's growth compresses and distorts nearby brain structures. Effects can include seizures, headaches and speech disorders. Surgery to remove part or all of the tumour may relieve some symptoms, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used, but the prognosis is poor. For this tumour much smaller around 10 months earlier, see images M134/496 or M134/497.