Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cáncer del cerebro | /kanθeɾ del θeɾebɾo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kanseɾ del seɾebɾo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| cáncer cerebral | /kanθeɾ θeɾebɾal/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kanseɾ seɾebɾal/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
Both terms refer to the presence of cancer within the brain. Cáncer cerebral is the standard way to refer to the condition in a medical context, using an adjective to describe the type of cancer. Cáncer del cerebro is a more descriptive way to express that the cancer is located in the brain.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cáncer del cerebro is composed of cáncer (cancer), del (of the) and cerebro (brain).
Which one should you use?
Cáncer cerebral uses an adjective to describe the cancer and is the standard medical term. In contrast, cáncer del cerebro is a more descriptive, slightly more formal way to say "cancer of the brain".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cáncer is a masculine noun. If you use a definite article with it, you must use the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/kanθeɾ del θeɾebɾo/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Mi familiar fue diagnosticado/a con cáncer cerebral.My family member was diagnosed with brain cancer.
- Las opciones de tratamiento para el cáncer cerebral incluyen la radioterapia y la quimioterapia.Treatment options for brain cancer include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
- El cáncer cerebral puede afectar el funcionamiento normal del cerebro y los sistemas relacionados.Brain cancer can affect the normal functioning of the brain and related systems.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a medical article.
- JavierLeí que el cáncer del cerebro es difícil de tratar.I read that brain cancer is difficult to treat.
- ElenaSí, pero hay nuevos tratamientos ahora.Yes, but there are new treatments now.
- JavierEspero que la ciencia encuentre una cura pronto.I hope science finds a cure soon.
- ElenaYo también, Javier.I do too, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brain cancer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerebral, cerebro, cáncer, del, CC BY-SA 4.0.
