Brain cancer

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.

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.

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.