Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are made up of cells that quickly multiply and invade healthy tissue. Some start in the brain (primary brain tumor). Others are the result of cancer elsewhere in the body that spreads (metastasizes) to the brain. Not all tumors are cancerous. But depending on size and location, they can impact brain functioning. 

Renowned Brain Tumor Specialists in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health is home to one of the region’s leading brain tumor programs. Our team includes brain tumor surgeons and neuro-oncologists recruited from some of the world’s most prestigious cancer centers. They work alongside additional specialists to deliver advanced treatments that get rid of cancer while protecting healthy brain tissue.

Types of Tumors We Treat

Our expertise includes tumors affecting the brain, pituitary gland, nerves, skull, spine and spinal cord. 

We deliver exceptional care for nearly any diagnosis, including: 

• Glioblastoma
• Gliomas
• Hemangioblastomas
• Meningiomas
• Pineal tumors
• Pituitary tumors
• Skull base tumors
• Spinal cord tumors

You have access to sophisticated tests and brain tumor treatments that are not widely available. These services lead to a precise diagnosis and the most appropriate therapies for your needs.

Brain Tumor Services We Provide

Offerings include:

• Cancer genetic testing: You may benefit from this service if you have a family history of certain brain tumor types. We perform testing to determine whether you carry genes responsible for these cancers. If you test positive, we put you in touch with brain tumor specialists who help you access additional services.
• Advanced diagnostic studies: We use special technology to analyze the fine details of tumor cells (molecular fingerprinting). These studies provide valuable insights about the medical therapies most likely to halt tumor cell growth.
• Surgery: Neurosurgeons use a variety of techniques to remove tumors with minimally invasive methods whenever possible. We often use real-time imaging to guide our efforts, leading to precise care. Capabilities also include skull base surgery, which involves sliding instruments through a nostril and toward the base of your skull. This technique helps you avoid a craniotomy and is gentler on nearby tissue.
• Brain mapping (awake craniotomy): During brain tumor surgery, it’s critical to carefully navigate tissue controlling communication, movement and sensory functioning. We may wake you up and ask you to perform simple tasks while we stimulate the brain so we know which areas to avoid. You will not experience discomfort and might not remember this part of the procedure.
• Chemotherapy and medical oncology: We use cancer-fighting drugs and other substances that are safe and effective for brain tumors. We often deliver these therapies after surgery to remove trace levels of cancer. They also help people whose tumors come back after treatment. Our neuro-oncologists stay current with the latest research so you receive exceptional care.
• Radiation oncology: You have access to a broad range of options, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy. It continually adjusts radiation beams to fit the shape of the tumor, minimizing disruption to healthy tissue. For some tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery is appropriate. It delivers a high radiation dose in a single treatment session and may prevent the need for traditional surgery.