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The brain, like other organs of the body, is subject to tumors — growths of abnormal tissue. Such tumors can be either benign or malignant (cancerous). While benign tumors are not cancerous, their growth within the brain can be dangerous because they can interfere with normal brain functions and thereby create health problems ranging from annoyances to life-threatening conditions. Some benign brain tumors are capable of evolving into malignant brain tumors.
 
Brain cancer that first appears in the brain is known as primary brain cancer, while cancer that has spread from another part of the body through the circulatory or lymphatic system is called metastatic brain cancer. The effects of a tumor and the most favorable approach to treatment depend upon the location of the abnormal cell growth within the brain. The structures of the brain include the cerebrum (which consists of four interconnected sections or lobes), the cerebellum, brain stem, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and meninges.
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a classification system that identifies about 120 distinct types of brain tumors. They include acoustic neuroma, chordoma, gliomas, pituitary tumors, medulloblastoma, meningloma, and various subtypes. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used, either individually or in combination, to treat brain tumors. Radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat tumors that are inoperable, either because of the sensitive location of the tumor or the general health of the patient. Brain tumor treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary team. The radiation oncologists at RAS Radiation Oncology Centers (ROC) work closely with neurosurgeons, neurologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, medical physicists and other specialists for optimal integrated care.
 
Radiation Treatment 
Radiation therapy may be used with the intent to “cure” the cancer by eliminating a tumor or preventing recurrence. Radiation therapy may also be given to relieve symptoms and minimize pain caused by cancer. For example, radiation may be used on the brain to shrink tumors formed by cancer cells that are pressing on the spine or other vital structures.
 
Treatment planning, which begins with “simulation” for each patient, is developed by RAS radiation oncologists. During simulation, detailed imaging studies, such as CT, MRI or PET scans show the location of the tumor and the normal areas around it. Simulation ensures that the patient will be in exactly the same position for each treatment session.  Body molds, head masks, or other devices may be constructed to make it easier to stay still. Temporary skin marks and even tattoos are used to help with precise patient positioning.
 
The area selected for treatment may be limited precisely to the tumor but in some cases may also include normal tissue adjacent to the tumor.  Doctors take potential damage to normal cells into account when planning a course of radiation therapy. The amount of radiation that normal tissue can safely receive is known for all parts of the body. Doctors use this information to help them decide where to aim radiation during treatment.
 
Some patients maybenefit from Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, a revolutionary technology that eliminates the need for conventional open-skull surgery. The Gamma Knife does not contain any cutting blades; it uses precision-guided, concentrated gamma rays to invisibly penetrate the brain tumor with minimal risk of surgical complications. The name Gamma Knife refers to the ability of the technology to yield dramatic, desirable results with surgical precision.
 
What to Expect 
Radiation therapy involves minimal pain. With external beam radiation therapy, patients are usually scheduled for daily treatment sessions over the course of several weeks.  The number of treatments depends on many factors, including the total radiation dose that will be given. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is completed in three to four hours, with the actual treatment performed in a single session that lasts five to 60 minutes.
 
Side Effects and Complications 
Possible side effects and complications vary, depending upon the procedure being performed.  Possible side effects could be headache, fatigue, nausea, hair loss, scalp irritation, memory problems, hormonal imbalances, or sore throat.  Specific side effects depend on the actual structures being treated and will be explained to you by your doctor.