Brain tumors are abnormal growths in or around the brain that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Understanding the nature of brain tumors is vital for anyone seeking diagnosis and treatment.
Brain Tumors in Arlington, VA
About Brain Tumors
Brain tumors originate from the brain's own tissue or spread to the brain from other areas of the body. Addressing brain tumors requires a comprehensive approach involving a range of treatments. Virginia Neurosurgeons offers specialized, expert treatment using state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies with a compassionate and caring approach—ensuring the most minimally invasive treatment and procedures whenever possible.
Why Choose Virginia Neurosurgeons?
Virginia Neurosurgeons stands at the forefront of brain tumor treatment, taking pride in a legacy of expertise and patient care. Founded in Arlington in 2001, we've emerged as the largest independent neurosurgical group in Northern Virginia. Our accomplished surgeons, all board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, bring a wealth of knowledge, having trained at prestigious institutions.
We offer the highest-quality, advanced neurosurgical care in a healing environment, aiming to enhance the overall quality of life for our patients. We understand how frightening a brain tumor diagnosis may be, and we understand your concern about the risks of an operation in delicate areas of the brain; our modern approach to managing your condition minimizes these risks.
Types of Brain Tumors
There are various types of brain tumors, each with distinct characteristics and potential impacts on health. Understanding the type of brain tumor is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and management plan.
Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous growths that typically have well-defined borders and don't invade surrounding tissues aggressively. Though some types of tumors can be benign or malignant such as meningiomas.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous growths that may spread to other parts of the brain or body.
Congenital Masses: Tumors present at birth with origins traced to fetal development.
- Dermoid Tumors: Slow-growing masses that contain tissues like hair, skin, and glands.
- Epidermoid Tumors: Similar to dermoid tumors, epidermoid tumors form from only the outer layer of skin.
Gliomas: A common type of brain tumor originating from glial cells that support nerve cells. These are oftentimes cancerous tumors that require prompt treatment.
Meningiomas: Arising from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Pituitary Adenomas: Developing in the pituitary gland, these tumors can affect hormone production and put pressure on the nerves that involve vision.
Metastatic Tumors: Tumors originate from cancer elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain.
Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Diagnosing a brain tumor requires a comprehensive process to ensure a precise understanding of the tumor and effective treatment strategies. This thorough approach accounts for the unique characteristics of every tumor, allowing us to implement a treatment strategy that is specific to your case.
Diagnosis Steps:
Initial Evaluation and Neurologic Assessment:
Thorough examination of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and neurologic function.
Advanced Imaging:
Cutting-edge technologies provide detailed images, enabling precise identification and location of the tumor.
Biopsy Procedure:
If needed, a biopsy is conducted to extract tissue samples for microscopic analysis, ensuring a definitive diagnosis.
Neurological Assessment:
Evaluating the patient's neurological function to understand the impact of the tumor on brain activity.
Multidisciplinary Review:
Collaborating among a team of specialists, including oncologists and radiation oncologists, to analyze diagnostic findings and tailor an effective treatment plan based on the tumor's unique features.
Arlington Brain Tumor Treatment
By always staying abreast of the latest advancements, our approach at Virginia Neurosurgeons ensures that non-surgical and surgical treatments are tailored to the exact needs for the best outcome of each patient who comes to us.
Brain Tumor Treatments:
- Observation: In some cases, especially with small, slow-growing, and benign tumors, a watch-and-wait approach may be employed, monitoring the tumor's behavior over time.
- Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Utilizing high-energy beams, radiation therapy targets and damages tumor cells, impeding their ability to grow and divide.
- Chemotherapy: Administering powerful drugs systematically to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells throughout the body.
Targeted Therapy: Employing drugs that specifically target certain molecules involved in the tumor's growth, limiting damage to healthy cells. - Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body's immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, often through medications that stimulate the immune response.
- Craniotomy for Surgical Resection: A procedure that involves temporarily removing a piece of the skull to access and resect the tumor.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Using advanced techniques like neuroendoscopy and stereotactic navigation to access the tumor through small incisions and openings of the skull or through the nose.
Schedule a Consultation with a Top Neurosurgical Team for Brain Tumors and Treatment
Schedule a consultation with Virginia Neurosurgeons today to explore tailored diagnosis and treatment options for brain tumors. Our highly skilled and effective team is dedicated to providing you with the best in techniques and procedures.