Brain Tumors

Account for less than 1% of brain tumors.  These are typically benign tumors in younger patients, but can occur in adults as well. Patients can present with headaches, nausea, vomiting and other neurologic issues.

Are located near the pituitary gland and are usually benign tumors.  Their location, however, make their management difficult.

Arise from cells which line the spinal fluid storage chambers in the brain, ventricles. They can be located both in the brain and spinal column. Because of this, your doctor may want imaging of both your brain and spinal column if these tumors are suspected.

Slow growing tumors that develop from one of the brain covering layers. Surgery is the recommended treatment option for symptomatic tumors. Typically are cured when completely removed surgically. The location at times can make this a difficult task to accomplish.

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma occurs when cancer cells accumulate in the lymph tissue of the spinal cord and brain.  Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans (including PET CT) can be used to determine location and extent of the tumor burden.  Patients who have compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Biopsy or spinal tap are oftentimes necessary to make the definitive diagnosis.  Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some of the available treatment options.

These tumors are the hallmark of patients with the genetic syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau disease. They are benign, slow-growing, but very vascular tumors. The symptoms at presentation vary depending on the tumor location and this also determines how amenable they are to surgical cure. MRI and CT scans are used to aid in diagnosis. Treatment options remain surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy agents are being investigated as well.

These are rare tumors which arise from parts of blood vessels we call capillaries. Tumor location can cause headaches or weakness. CT and MRI scans are used to make the diagnosis. Surgery for biopsy or resection aids in definitive diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are utilized in addition to surgery.

These are benign tumors, but their location may make completed surgical resection difficult. Treatment is usually observation or surgical resection.

This tumor arises from the vestibulocochlear nerve that aids in hearing and balance. They can be associated with Neurofibromatosis II. Depending on the size, critical surrounding structures can be affected. They are not usually regarded as malignant; however, they can compromise facial sensation, other muscles or hearing. Your doctor will sometimes perform additional tests to determine which treatment option is the best for the specific tumor.

These tumors can be treated with radiation, surgery or observation.

The pineal gland has varied functions and is believed to secrete melatonin, serotonin and other peptides. It is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and environmental changes. There are over 17 pathologic lesions that can be found in this area. They represent about 1% of brain tumors. Symptoms can include headaches and vision and endocrinologic abnormalities.

Treatment options include observation, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

The pituitary is known as the ‘master gland’ because of the important role it plays in the endocrine system. Tumors of the pituitary gland represent 10% of brain neoplasms. They are much more common in adults than children. The tumor size and whether or not the tumor secretes hormones oftentimes dictate the symptoms. They can include headaches, vision and endocrine abnormalities. Rarely, these tumors can hemorrhage and urgent neurosurgical care is needed.

Your doctor will need to perform blood tests and check your vision. These tumors can be treated with medications depending on the tumor type. Other treatment options include, but are not limited to radiation and surgery.