Brain Tumor

Forsyth Stroke and Neurosciences Center offers comprehensive care for adult patients with tumors of the nervous system, as well as patients suffering neurologic complications of cancer.

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From diagnosis to follow-up care, our physicians offer thorough treatment for brain tumors including individualized patient evaluation, detailed radiological studies and interpretation, and comprehensive treatment management plans.

Within the center, we have a dedicated team of specialists in neurology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery and other essential areas of care, working to provide the most appropriate level of brain tumor treatment and promote the greatest level of recovery.

What is a brain tumor?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue found inside the skull. There are two categories of brain tumors:

A primary brain tumor is that which originates in the brain.
A metastatic (secondary) brain tumor occurs when cancer cells from other parts of the body, such as the lungs, kidneys, breasts and skin, spread to the brain.

Brain tumors are classified as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor is life threatening because it consists of cancer cells. A benign tumor, although noncancerous, may also be life threatening if it is located in a vital area of the body. For example, a benign tumor growing next to an important blood vessel in the brain does not have to grow very large before it blocks blood flow. Or, if a benign tumor is found deep inside the brain, surgery to remove it may be very risky because of the chance of damaging vital brain centers.

Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the three most commonly used treatments for brain tumors. Surgery to remove or debulk as much tumor as possible is usually the first step in treating a brain tumor. Radiation therapy then targets the remaining tumor with the goal of reducing its size or stabilizing it. Following treatment, some of the same tests used to first diagnose your tumor are repeated to monitor your progress and see if the tumor has disappeared, is shrinking, remains the same or has changed.