Leading Minds at Work for You
The idea of a brain tumor is a scary possibility. Tumors in the brain can be life-threatening and require immediate medical care. And because symptoms of brain tumors or brain cancer vary widely and are sometimes incorrectly attributed to other conditions, they're frequently overlooked.
However, our neurosurgeons at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth can provide an accurate determination regarding the possibility of a brain tumor.
A full examination, often combined with imaging like a computed tomography (CT) scan and other testing, can determine the tumor's size, location and source. From there, our experienced team will work quickly with care and compassion to develop a personalized treatment plan.
We’re here to help you find the right neurosurgeon or a location that’s convenient for you.
Expert Care for Brain Tumors
- Symptoms of Brain Tumors
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Symptoms of a brain tumor can vary depending on where the brain mass is located. For example, a tumor on the optic nerve can lead to double vision or blurriness. A tumor in the cerebrum can cause numbness or weakness, especially on one side, or problems with balance or movement. A growth in the front of the brain can cause personality changes and issues with language.
Brain tumors can also cause a variety of general symptoms, including:
- Seizures
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or even a coma
- Personality changes
- Just feeling off or not quite right
Because these are very general and broad symptoms that numerous other issues could also cause, these symptoms by themselves usually don’t indicate that you have brain cancer. However, you should see your doctor if these symptoms are unexplained, unusual or persistent.
- Types of Brain Tumors
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A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain that can be non-cancerous or cancerous.
Types of brain tumors include:
- Acoustic neuroma
- Astrocytoma
- Chordoma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Glioblastoma
- Glioma
- Medulloblastoma
- Meningioma
- Metastatic brain tumors
- Pituitary tumors
- Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma
- Primitive neuroectodermal (PNET)
- Schwannoma
- Subependymoma
- Treatment for Brain Tumors
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Surgery to remove brain tumors is often the preferred treatment because, when successful, brain surgery can lead to a total cure. Generally, slow-growing tumors closest to the surface of the brain are the best candidates for surgical treatment.
For tumors that can't be removed surgically, we utilize a treatment called stereotactic radiosurgery that involves precisely targeted radiation to destroy hard-to-reach tumors, leaving surrounding tissue intact.
For brain cancer treatment, chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery and radiation, though only certain chemotherapy medications can pass through the blood-brain barrier to reach brain tumors.
Our neurologists and neurosurgeons work closely with our patients to determine the optimal treatment for a brain tumor.
Compassionate Care You Can Count On
A brain tumor diagnosis is a before-and-after moment in life, but you’ve got this because you’ve got us. Get the expert care and support you need and reclaim your health.
A Connected Network of Neuroscience Care for All Chicagoans
Your brain and body form a connected system, and you deserve care that’s just as comprehensive. If you’re facing a brain tumor or cancer diagnosis, we’ll reach across specialties to give you the well-rounded care you need from different experts working together. You can count on us to listen to you, respect your time, compare notes and make treatment decisions that meet your personal needs and goals. No matter what, we’re here for you at every step.