Brain Tumors and Cancer

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in which some cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells. Usually, benign tumors can be removed. They are sometimes life-threatening. Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells. They are generally more serious and often life-threatening. They can grow rapidly and impact the surrounding healthy brain tissue.

Our brain cancer teams have developed some of the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat brain tumors, brain metastases and neurological complications of cancer. All with the goal of helping patients survive – and thrive – with intact brain function.

• Primary brain tumors, such as glioblastomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and others
• Brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases, which originate from other cancers in the body
• Other primary tumors, such as meningiomas and schwannomas
• Rare brain tumors including craniopharyngiomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas pineal tumors, pituitary tumors, and others
• All types of neurological complications of cancer and their treatments

If you have a symptom or a test result that suggests a brain or spinal cord tumor, your doctor may order additional tests or procedures, including:

• Bone scan - pictures taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue
• CT or CAT scan – imaging that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the brain
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) - a procedure that produces images depicting function rather than shape
• MRI - a diagnostic procedure that uses large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body
• Neurological examination to examine reflexes, muscle strength, eye and facial movement, coordination, alertness, balance, vision and more
• Positron emission tomography (PET) - a tiny amount of a radioactive substance examines tissue and evaluates its metabolism
• Spinal tap or lumbar puncture - fluid from the spinal cord is removed and sent for testing
• X-Ray

Smilow Cancer Hospital’s broad range of tools and treatment practices deliver precise diagnoses and more effective treatment options. We have a specialized intensive care unit just for neurological patients. Plus, we offer the latest in imaging technologies, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). During surgery, MRI creates accurate pictures of the brain or spinal cord. After surgery it’s used for language and motor skills mapping.

Our brain cancer treatments include:

• 3D conformal radiotherapy
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Chemotherapy wafers - wafers containing a cancer-killing drug is inserted directly into the brain tumor during surgery
• Gene therapy
• Image-guided stereotactic techniques
• Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring
• Microsurgical tumor removal
• Novel, targeted chemotherapies
• Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt
• Radiation therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Stereotactic radiosurgery - delivers high doses of radiation at the tumor site, while sparing the surrounding normal tissue, with the use of photon beams from a linear accelerator or cobalt x-rays.
• Steroids and medications

Smilow Cancer Hospital’s broad range of tools and treatment practices deliver precise diagnoses and more effective treatment options. We have a specialized intensive care unit just for neurological patients. Plus, we offer the latest in imaging technologies, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). During surgery, MRI creates accurate pictures of the brain. After surgery it’s used for language and motor skills mapping.

Our brain cancer treatments include:

• Microsurgical tumor removal
• Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring
• Image-guided stereotactic techniques
• 3D conformal radiotherapy
• Novel, targeted chemotherapies

Smilow Cancer Hospital was the first in the nation to install and use the 3 Tesla MRI neuro suite by IMRIS for brain cancer treatment. This revolutionary technology provides high-quality MRI images before, during and after a neurosurgical procedure – without ever moving the patient. In addition, the neuro suite allows for biplane x-ray angiography to treat a wide range of procedures, including brain tumor resection.

Learn more about 3T MRI

The Gamma Knife is a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery for malignant and benign tumors, vascular abnormalities and trigeminal neuralgia. Typically performed in a single outpatient treatment session without general anesthesia, it directs focused radiation to specific targets in the brain. This proven technique helps patients avoid surgery, scarring and long hospital stays and lessens complications.

Learn more about the Gamma Knife

Smilow Cancer Hospital benefits from its partnership with the nationally recognized Yale Cancer Center. The Cancer Center funds clinical trials conducted by Yale School of Medicine doctors at Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Our partnership has gained regional and national recognition for continually pushing science and technology toward a cure. Clinical trials led by the Yale Program in Brain Tumor Research focus on understanding how brain tumors form. Researchers are exploring the genetic and molecular basis of brain tumors using genetic and genomic technologies. Understanding the biology of brain tumors will allow researchers to develop targeted and individualized treatment, including more effective drug therapies.

We are readily available to offer our expert opinions. To schedule an appointment or send your records for review and consultation, please contact us for assistance and additional information.