Brain Oncology

Brain cancer, also known as brain tumors or intracranial neoplasia, is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain that can originate from different types of tissue, including neurons, glial cells, and other structures. Brain cancer can be benign, meaning it is not cancerous, or malignant, meaning the tumor is cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. Brain cancers are often diagnosed through imaging and biopsy tests. Treatment for brain cancer traditionally involves surgery, radiation therapy or both, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Brain oncology, also referred to as neuro-oncology, is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and researching all types of brain tumors. Oncologists who specialize in this area, known as neuro-oncologists, use a variety of advanced techniques to accurately diagnose brain cancers and treat them aggressively. They utilize a variety of imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans, to diagnose brain tumors and assess their spread. Neuro-oncologists also consider the patient’s age, overall health, and the tumor’s location and size when determining the best treatment plan. Surgery is often the first choice of treatment for brain cancer, as it can be used to both diagnose the cancer and remove or shrink the tumor. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, stereotactic surgery or neurosurgery may also be used. While surgery can be used to remove the tumor, radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors that are near critical structures in the brain, such as the optic nerves. Chemotherapy can also be used to treat brain tumors, either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatments, such as radiation. Immunotherapy, which helps the body’s natural immune system fight cancer cells, is also becoming a more popular form of treatment for brain cancer.