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Brain tumors often present with symptoms of altered neurologic function, such as paralysis, numbness or difficulty thinking, or they may produce headaches or seizures. Brain tumors are often suspected after a CT or MRI scan of the brain.
Frequently, a biopsy or surgical sample of the suspected tumor is required in order to make a definite diagnosis. Lahey neurosurgeons use various surgical techniques, including craniotomy and stereotaxy, to obtain a biopsy.
The use of image guidance (e.g., CAT scan and MRI) in brain tumor surgery has reduced the risk of such procedures and improved the accuracy of the surgery. With image guidance, the incisions are often smaller and more precisely placed, and the disruption of normal brain tissue is minimized.
Brain Tumor Clinic
After establishing a diagnosis, patients are evaluated in the multidisciplinary Brain Tumor Clinic. During this session, patients and families receive information about treatment options from members of the Neurology, Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Social Services Departments. The Brain Tumor Clinic provides much needed education for patients and families and plan appropriate treatments, accordingly.
Treatment
Radiation therapy, either in conventional form or using focused radiation called "stereotactic radiosurgery," is often the first step in the treatment plan. Radiosurgery has been used to treat both malignant and benign tumors that might otherwise be surgically unresectable. Lahey Clinic uses a modified linear accelerator to deliver this pinpoint radiation to areas deep within the brain without injuring surrounding structures. In addition to radiation, a patient may also be treated with various chemotherapy agents. Patients continue to be followed in the Brain Tumor Clinic throughout the course of their treatment.
Lloyd Alderson, MD, and Peter K. Dempsey, MD, are our specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors.
