Nervous System Tumors

Home » Nervous System Tumors » NS Tumor Treatment - Surgery

NS Tumor Treatment

Treatment for brain tumors usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The first goal of treatment is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, without damaging the surrounding normal brain tissue. Factors such as the patient's age, general health, occupation, and personal choice, all play a role in determining a course of treatment.

Some nervous system tumors can be treated surgically and others cannot. Sometimes there are several different surgical procedures for a particular type of tumor. Sometimes a tumor can be treated with radiation alone, and does not need to be surgically removed.

In most cases, a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists work together to contribute to a patient's treatment.

Surgery
For patients undergoing brain tumor surgery, it is important to perform certain medical tests beforehand to provide the safest possible surgery. All patients should be in generally stable medical condition.

Patients over the age of 40 should have an EKG and chest x-ray, as well as several other tests to evaluate factors such as blood pressure and diabetes. If the patient has uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, their blood exhibits anticoagulation, or they have active coronary ischemia, surgery usually is not done.

Surgery is used to diagnose and treat brain tumors. Complications occur in less than 5% of cases, and depend on the type of tumor andof cerebrospinal fluid.

Most types of surgery involve temporarily removing a section of the skull, opening the dura (outer membrane that covers the brain), and then removing the tumor and replacing the bone.

New surgical techniques include stereotactic biopsy or surgery that use computer guidance to exactly locate and either biopsy or remove the tumor, endoscopic surgery, laser surgery, and surgery under local anesthesia.

Stereotactic Surgery
The word stereotactic comes from Greek and Latin words meaning "three dimensions" and "to touch." This technique utilizes CT scan and MRI scan of the brain to find the exact location of the tumor. A special frame is placed on the patient's head and only a very small hole is drilled through the skull. Stereotactic surgery reduces the rates of complications normally associated with performing an open resection (cutting or removing a tumor) in the brain, which involves cutting a wide opening in the skull. With computer guidance, the neurosurgeon is able to operate very precisely.

Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic surgery is a type of surgery used to remove pituitary adenomas. In the past, pituitary adenomas were removed by making an incision in the mouth, beneath the upper lip, and then using a microscope to look up through the tissue to the base of the skull where the pituitary gland is located. With an endoscope, the tumor can be removed without any incision at all. Instead, the surgeon goes through the nose and is able to reach and remove a tumor in the pituitary gland through existing nasal channels. This procedure is less painful and has a quicker recovery time. Other tumors that are at the base of the skull can also be removed using endoscopic surgery.

Laser Surgery
The use of lasers (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) allows a surgeon to remove diseased tissue by aiming a beam of concentrated light on it rather than using a scalpel to cut it away. Laser surgery is often used following traditional surgery to remove any residual tumor tissue.

Surgery under Local Anesthesia
Surgery under local anesthesia involves the use of brain mapping techniques. A brain mapping technique that allow a surgeon to operate in sensitive areas of the brain, such as those that control motor function or speech. Small electrodes can be used to stimulate specific pathways so that the nerve response can be measured and a surgeon can determine the function of the nerve. The patient is awake during surgery.

Postoperative Care
Postoperative care includes drug therapy with corticosteroids, histamine inhibitors (blocking stomach acid), and antiepileptics. Sometimes patients may need to visit a postoperative rehabilitation facility. Corticosteroids (dexamethasone and Decadron) help reduce swelling and can relieve various postoperative neurological effects.

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nervous System Tumors Resources

	Join Our Nervous System Tumors Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.