Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in which some cells grow and multiply uncontrollably.
Brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells. Usually benign tumors can be removed. They are sometimes life-threatening.
Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells. They are generally more serious and often life-threatening. They can grow rapidly and impact the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Diagnosis
If you have a symptom or a test result that suggests a brain tumor, your doctor may order additional tests or procedures, including:
- Neurological examination to examine reflexes, muscle strength, eye and facial movement, coordination, alertness, balance, vision and more
- CT or CAT scan – imaging that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the brain
- MRI - a diagnostic procedure that uses large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body
- X-Ray
- Bone scan - pictures taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue
- Spinal tap or lumbar puncture - fluid from the spinal cord is removed and sent for testing
- Positron emission tomography (PET) - a tiny amount of a radioactive substance examines tissue and evaluates its metabolism
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) - a procedure that produces images depicting function rather than shape
Treatment
Our expert physicians provide a range of advanced, multidisciplinary healing therapies using state-of-the-art technology, including:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Steroids and medications
- Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt
- Bone marrow transplantation
- Rehabilitation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery - delivers high doses of radiation at the tumor site, while sparing the surrounding normal tissue, with the use of photon beams from a linear accelerator or cobalt x-rays.
- Chemotherapy wafers - wafers containing a cancer-killing drug is inserted directly into the brain tumor during surgery
- Gene therapy
Contact us at 203-384-3904 or [email protected].
