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Surgical Procedures for Brain Tumors

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Surgical Procedures for Brain Tumors

Surgery is done to remove a tumor. This can lead to a cure for some types of tumors, but not others.

Taking out some of the tumor may help ease pressure on other structures. It may also improve outcomes of other treatments a person may need.

Tissue from the surgery will be looked at in a lab to find out the type of tumor a person has. More studies may also be done to classify the tumor, guide treatment, and find out more about a person's health outlook.

References

  • Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Accessed July 13, 2021.
  • Astrocytoma and oligodentroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults. Accessed July 13, 2021.
  • Craniotomy. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/craniotomy. Accessed July 13, 2021.
  • Horbinski C, Ligon KL, et al. The medical necessity of advanced molecular testing in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor patients. Neuro Oncol. 2019;21(12):1498-1508.
  • Kam KL, Appin CL, et al. Is next-generation sequencing alone sufficient to reliably diagnose gliomas? J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2020;79(7):763-766.
  • Meningioma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/meningioma. Accessed July 13, 2021.
  • Overview of intracranial tumors. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/intracranial-and-spinal-tumors/overview-of-intracranial-tumors. Accessed July 13, 2021.
  • Surgery for adult brain and spinal cord tumors. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/treating/surgery.html. Accessed July 13, 2021.
  • Youngblood MW, Stupp R, et al. Role of resection in glioblastoma management. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2021;32(1):9-22.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2021-07-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.