| Brain Tumor Basics |
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What are Brain Tumors?
Brain tumors, also known as brain cancer, start within the substance of the brain, spinal cord or nerves. Some tumors which arise from the brain or spine coverings (meninges) are also considered primary brain tumors. Metastatic brain tumors have spread from cancer in other parts of the body, most frequently from the lungs, breast and colon.
Brain Tumor Symptoms
Depending on the location and size of the tumor, symptoms experienced by each patient may vary. Most of the common symptoms are due to increased intracranial pressure as the growing tumor affects surrounding structures:
- Frequent headaches (reported by 50% of patients)
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Personality or cognitive changes
Other symptoms are site-specific, including seizures, speech impairment, weakness or numbness on one side and problems with coordination, balance or mobility. |
| Brain Tumor Treatment at M. D. Anderson |
- Treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors in adults takes place in our Brain & Spine Center. Services include neuropsychological testing, neurological diagnostic testing, counseling and treatment of psychiatric illness.
Pediatric brain tumor treatment takes place in our Children's Cancer Hospital.
Diseases Treated
Brain tumors treated include primary and metastatic tumors of the central nervous system, pituitary gland, third ventricle, brain stem, pineal region, eloquent brain regions, skull base, cavernous sinus, spine, spinal cord, sacrum and pelvis and pediatric brain tumors. |
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 BrainSUITE®
M. D. Anderson's BrainSUITE is a surgical system that incorporates a magnetic resonance imaging machine (MRI) in the operating room, providing surgeons with real-time images of the brain during surgery. BrainSUITE is available for patients whose brain tumors will benefit from this less-invasive technique.
Additional Features & Programs
- In-house electromyography and other neurological diagnostic services
- Image-guided surgery
- Brain tumor treatment with gene therapy
- Stereotaxis for tumor biopsy or pain treatment
- Enhanced accessibility and safety of brain tumor surgery
- Intraoperative ultrasound
- Cortical mapping
- Awake craniotomy
- Spinal reconstruction and stabilization
- Only regional facility with dedicated brain tumor center
- Subspecialization in such areas as spinal reconstructive surgery, sacral reconstructive surgery, radiosurgery and skull base surgery, providing comprehensive resources for patients and referring physicians
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| Brain Tumor Education & Support |
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Survivor Support
Anderson Network - Call 1-800-345-6324 to speak with another brain tumor patient.
Support Groups - Find a group that fits your needs.
Streaming Media
 Patient Power - Skull Base Surgery (42:00)
When facing a tumor in the skull base, the right treatment first is essential. It may include minimally invasive surgery, proton therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of several treatments. Specialists from the Head & Neck Center and the Brain & Spine Center work together on personalized plans for each patient. (Feburary 2008)
Download / Listen / Transcript (pdf)
Patient Power - Advances in the Treatment of the Brain & Spine Cancer (1:02:06)
State-of-the-art technologies and robust research are providing innovative new treatment alternatives for patients with brain and spine tumors. (July 2007)
Download / Listen / Transcript (pdf)
Patient Power - BrainSuite: Image-guided Cancer Neurosurgery (35:51)
BrainSuite is an integrated neurosurgery system that allows for more precise treatment of complicated tumors in sensitive areas of the brain. The goal is less trauma and quicker recovery. (August 2007)
Download / Listen / Transcript (pdf)
Research
- Brain Tumor Center - Learn about this consortium of M. D. Anderson scientists and physicians.
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