Brain Tumor Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for brain tumors that can be removed without causing severe damage. Many benign (non-cancerous) tumors are treated only by surgery. Most malignant (cancerous) tumors, however, require treatment in addition to the surgery, such as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

The goals of surgical treatment for brain tumors are multiple and may include one or more of the following:

• Confirm diagnosis by obtaining tissue that is examined under a microscope.
• Remove all or as much of the tumor as possible.
• Reduce symptoms and improve quality of life by relieving intracranial pressure caused by the cancer.
• Provide access for implantation of internal chemotherapy or radiation.
• Provide access for delivering intra-surgical treatments, including hypertherapy or laser surgery.

There are different types of surgeries and techniques available. Circumstances unique to each patient’s situation may influence which approach is applied. The potential benefits of specific procedures must be carefully balanced with potential risks.