Brain Cancers
At West Cancer Center, brain cancers are treated using a team-based approach. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with exceptional neurosurgical groups to provide specialized care and develop personalized treatment plans for all types of brain tumors, including brain metastases, glioblastoma, other gliomas, and meningiomas. Throughout treatment, our team provides compassionate, respectful care while using the latest science and advances available to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome.
Glioblastoma
A fast-growing, aggressive grade 4 tumor in adults starting from star-shaped support cells.
Risk Factors
• Age (especially older adults)
• Prior radiation to the head
• Certain inherited genetic syndromes
• Rarely a family history.
• Most cases have no identifiable cause
Common Symptoms
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in vision, speech or balance
• Weakness or numbness
• Personality or memory changes
• Increasing sleepiness
Diagnosis
Neurologic exam and brain MRI with contrast are key. A biopsy or surgical removal is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine tumor type and molecular features.
Treatment Options
Depending on tumor size, treatment may include:
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Tumor-treating fields, targeted therapy, clinical trials, and supportive treatments may be considered.
Astrocytoma
A tumor forming in astrocytes (star shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord) that ranges from slow-growing to fast-growing.
Risk Factors
Risk varies by tumor grade and type
• Age
• Prior radiation exposure
• Inherited genetic syndromes
• Many cases have no known cause.
Common Symptoms
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in vision, speech or balance
• Weakness or numbness
• Personality or memory changes
Diagnosis
Neurologic exam, MRI of the brain with contrast, and tissue diagnosis through biopsy or surgery. Pathology and molecular testing help determine the tumor grade and treatment approach.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on grade and molecular characteristics.
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Active surveillance for selected slow-growing tumors
Oligodendroglioma
A growth starting in cells that make the protective fatty covering of nerve fibers.
Risk Factors
Risk varies by tumor grade and type
• Prior radiation exposure
• Inherited genetic syndromes
• Molecular changes, including IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion
• Many cases have no known cause.
Common Symptoms
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Changes in vision, speech or balance
• Weakness or numbness
• Personality or memory changes
Diagnosis
MRI of the brain with contrast followed by biopsy or surgery for tissue diagnosis. Molecular testing, including IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, is important for classification and treatment planning.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on grade and molecular characteristics.
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Active surveillance for selected slow-growing tumors
Ependymoma
A cancer beginning in the fluid-filled cavities (ventricles) inside the brain.
Risk Factors
• Prior radiation exposure
• Inherited genetic syndromes
• Many cases have no known cause
Common Symptoms
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in vision, speech or balance
• Weakness or numbness
• Symptoms related to blockage of cerebrospinal fluid.
Diagnosis
MRI of the brain and/or spine with contrast, neurologic evaluation, and tissue diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid testing and molecular testing may be used in selected cases.
Treatment Options
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy, in select cases
• Targeted therapy
Primary CNS Lymphoma
A cancer beginning in the white blood cells (lymphocytes) of the central nervous system.
Risk Factors
• Weakened immune system
• Immune disorders
• Organ transplantation
• HIV
• Some immunosuppressive medicines
• Epstein-Barr virus is associated with many cases.
Common Symptoms
• Headaches
• Confusion, memory or personality changes
• Seizures
• Changes in vision, speech, balance, or coordination
• Weakness or numbness
Diagnosis
MRI of the brain with contrast is the primary imaging test. Diagnosis generally requires a biopsy; spinal fluid and eye examinations may also be used. Testing for immune status and tumor markers helps guide care.
Treatment Options
High-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy is the main treatment.
Depending on the individual case, additional treatments may be considered.
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted or immune-based therapy
• Stem-cell-supported treatment
Metastatic Cancer
Cancer cells that break away from other body parts like the lung, colon, or breast and travel to the brain
Risk Factors
Risk depends on the original cancer. Cancers that commonly spread to the brain include lung, breast, melanoma, kidney, and colorectal cancers. Advanced or aggressive cancers have a higher risk.
Common Symptoms
• Headaches
• Confusion, memory or personality changes
• Seizures
• Changes in vision, speech, balance, or coordination
• Weakness or numbness
• Other neurologic symptoms.
Diagnosis
MRI of the brain with contrast is the preferred imaging test. CT may be used when MRI is not possible. A biopsy may be needed when the diagnosis is uncertain or the primary cancer is unknown.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the number, size, and location of brain metastases and the original cancer. Options may include:
• Surgery
• Stereotactic radiosurgery
• Whole-brain radiation, in selected cases
• Systemic therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Supportive medications.