Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans will be used to examine the suspected tumor. They can pinpoint its exact location and size.

If a tumor is discovered, your team will collect a sample so that it can be tested to identify its type and whether it is cancerous. Often, your neurosurgeon will remove part or all of the tumor, if possible, during the biopsy. If the tumor is difficult to reach, the sample may be taken during a procedure that creates a small hole in your skull and a needle to remove tissue.

This may be done if your team suspects the tumor has crossed into the layers of tissue covering your brain. A small needle is used to collect cerebrospinal fluid from around your spine. It will be examined for cancer cells.

Surgery generally offers the best option for brain tumors. Our neurosurgeons are trained in the latest techniques available for removing tumors, while minimizing damage to healthy parts of your brain. Traditionally, this is done through a craniotomy, where the skull is opened to allow the surgeon to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Some tumors may respond well to medications and other treatments. Among the most common is chemotherapy, which uses powerful chemicals to attack fast-growing cancer cells. There is a wide range of chemotherapy drugs available. They are often used in combination with other treatments and have varying side effects. Other options include:

• Targeted therapies: Special drugs are used to attack cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. This differs from traditional chemotherapy by its more precise targeting of cancer cells.
• Biological therapies: These treatments harness the power of you own immune system to kill cancer cells. This is a relatively new treatment realm, often only available in clinical trials.
• The Optune device: This wearable cap is used to treat glioblastoma (GBM) tumors through powerful electromagnetic pulses that disrupt the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. The device is being tested for other types of tumors.

Radiation therapy uses beams of intense energy (often X-rays) to attack cancer cells. These treatments rely on precision targeting to kill cancer cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation treatment comes in two forms: 

• External: The most common treatment is external beam radiation therapy, which aims a high-energy beam at a precise place on your body.
• Internal: Also called brachytherapy, this treatment uses a tiny radioactive seed – placed at the tumor site – to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Proton therapy is another form of radiation therapy. It uses protons to deliver the radiation. The approach takes advantage of the nature of protons, which can be manipulated to release their energy within a tumor, causing little or no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Orlando Health is the only healthcare system in Orlando offering Proton Therapy.

After treatment, it is likely that you will need support during your recovery. Your team will do everything possible to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue, but some damage is often unavoidable. Physical and occupational therapy will focus on life skills, including walking, eating, getting dressed and using the bathroom. Speech therapy helps with communication skills.

Clinical trials are studies that are important for discovering new therapies and treatments for brain and spinal cord tumors. They also seek new ways to detect and diagnose these cancers. The ultimate goal of clinical trials is to improve the lives of our patients.

Trials involve collaboration across multiple departments, with researchers involved in design, testing and analysis of these studies. Trials also offer our patients an avenue for gaining early access to promising treatments.