Brain cancer
Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells that grow in the brain which are not always cancerous. If a tumor is harmful, it can affect your nervous system. We offer treatments, such as chemo, radiation therapy, surgery and rehabilitation services.
Adult and pediatric brain tumor care in San Antonio
At Methodist Healthcare, our specialists provide advanced care and treatment for patients with brain tumors and brain cancer.
We offer a variety of treatments, ensuring our patients have access to advanced technology and superior care from experts in neurology.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Types of brain tumors
Like all tumors, a brain tumor develops when cells grow and divide without control or order, leading to serious health complications. There are two types of classification for brain tumors: benign and malignant.
No one knows what exactly causes benign tumors. A benign tumor is a tumor that is not cancerous. Unlike other benign tumors, benign brain tumors can be life-threatening because of their ability to disrupt or compress structures inside the skull. Because of this potential health risk, treatment of benign brain tumors is critical.
Fortunately, most benign tumors are treatable. Surgical removal of the tumor, medication to reduce swelling or radiation therapy are some of the most common treatment options for patients with benign brain tumors. Because most benign tumors do not grow rapidly, symptoms may take a long time to develop.
Malignant brain tumors are cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the brain and the central nervous system. Because brain tumors are hard to catch in the early phases of cancer, malignant brain tumors rarely show symptoms until they are large and can cause severe declines in a patient's health.
Brain cancer treatment
Like any other cancer, brain cancer treatment options vary widely depending on the tumor's location, size and type, the patient's age and other medical problems that are present.
The most commonly used treatments in cancer care are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In many instances, more than one of these is used.
Radiosurgery
Through utilizing the latest noninvasive stereotactic radiosurgery techniques at Methodist Hospital, we offer treatment for the most difficult tumors without conventional surgery. Our team can focus beams of radiation on affected areas, without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
For more information about this procedure, please call (210) 575-6575.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (210) 507-0941.
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