Brain & Neurosurgery
Brain Tumors
Modern neurosurgery — when surgery offers the best path forward.
Brain tumors range from benign and slow-growing to aggressive primary malignancies and metastases from cancers elsewhere. Modern neurosurgical techniques — image guidance, intraoperative monitoring, awake mapping when needed — have dramatically improved both safety and outcomes. Our neurosurgical team evaluates and manages brain tumor patients within a multidisciplinary framework, coordinating with neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, and rehabilitation as needed.
Understanding the Condition
What is Brain Tumors?
Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths inside the cranium. They're classified as primary (originating in the brain — meningiomas, gliomas, schwannomas, pituitary tumors) or secondary (metastatic from cancers in other organs — lung, breast, melanoma, kidney). Treatment depends on the tumor type, location, size, and the patient's overall condition. Many benign tumors are observed if asymptomatic; symptomatic tumors and most malignancies are surgically resected when feasible.
Common Causes
- Most primary tumors: cause unknown
- Genetic syndromes (NF1, NF2, von Hippel-Lindau)
- Prior radiation exposure
- Metastases from cancers elsewhere (lung, breast, melanoma most common)
- Family history of certain tumor types
Common Symptoms
- New-onset or worsening headaches (especially morning)
- Seizures (especially first-time seizure in an adult)
- Cognitive or personality changes
- Focal neurologic deficits (weakness, numbness, vision changes)
- Balance problems or coordination changes
- Nausea and vomiting (from increased intracranial pressure)
When to Seek Care
When Should You See a Specialist?
Any new persistent headache pattern, first-time adult seizure, new neurologic deficit, or change in mental status warrants prompt evaluation — usually starting with imaging (MRI). Most patients arrive after a primary care or ER MRI has shown a finding. We then evaluate and coordinate the multidisciplinary plan.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Brain Tumors
We always begin with the least invasive treatment that's likely to work for you. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has been given a fair trial — or when the situation truly requires it.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care
- Observation with serial imaging (for small benign tumors that aren't growing or causing symptoms)
- Steroids for symptomatic edema
- Anti-seizure medications when seizures are present
- Radiation therapy (alone or after surgery, depending on tumor type)
- Chemotherapy or targeted therapy (coordinated with neuro-oncology)
Surgical Options
- Craniotomy with image-guided tumor resection
- Awake craniotomy with cortical mapping (for tumors near eloquent brain areas)
- Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (for pituitary tumors)
- Stereotactic biopsy when resection isn't feasible
- VP shunting for hydrocephalus secondary to tumor
Recovery & Outlook
What to Expect After Treatment
Highly tumor-dependent. Many benign tumors (meningiomas, schwannomas) have excellent surgical outcomes with full recovery. Malignant tumors require multimodal treatment — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy — and outcomes vary by tumor type, location, and molecular features. Our team coordinates the full care plan.
Meet Your Team
Specialists Who Treat Brain Tumors
Related Treatments
Services That Address Brain Tumors
Brain Tumors — Frequently Asked Questions
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Concussions
Mild traumatic brain injury — evaluation, return-to-play / return-to-work, and recovery management.
Headache & Migraine
Cervicogenic headaches, chronic migraines, and surgical migraine treatment for medication-resistant cases.
Get Expert Help for Brain Tumors
Our specialists can diagnose your condition and design a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to the life you love.