If you are facing brain cancer, you have us to help. A specialized oncologist, neurosurgeon, social worker and an entire care team will work together to create a treatment plan specific to you. This means that you will not only receive the best possible care available today, but also be prepared for future treatments if needed. From diagnosis through post-treatment follow-up, you have us right by your side.
What Is Brain Cancer?
Brain cancer starts when cells in the brain change and grow out of control, forming a mass that becomes a tumor. The kind of cancer is named by the cell types or part of the brain where it starts.
Risk Factors
Besides your family medical history, the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis can rise due to other outside forces. However, the cause of a brain tumor may be unknown. Some possible risk factors include:
- Radiation or other environmental exposure
- Weakened immune system
- Head injury and seizures
- Obesity
A genetic counselor can work with you to provide guidance on your personal risk factors.
Manage My Risk Request Genetic Counseling
Signs & Symptoms
Noteworthy signs and symptoms of a brain tumor may display as:
- Changes in speech, vision, hearing, memory or personality
- Numbness or weakness in the arms, legs or face
- Problems with balance or walking
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
- Constant fatigue
- Headache
- Seizures
Gamma Knife Technology
Gamma Knife® is a gold-standard treatment for brain tumors. This non-invasive approach involves state-of-the-art technology, allowing physicians to deliver radiation to tumors with high precision without damaging nearby tissue. The Gamma Knife itself is a large device that looks like a CT or MRI machine. This treatment does not require incisions.
- Patient is dropped off for treatment by a spouse, family member or friend.
- Patient arrives and lies down on a table of machine.
- Physician administers Gamma Knife device to deliver radiation.
- Machine emits numerous highly focused, precise beams of radiation to site of tumor or lesion.
- Healthy tissue is left undamaged thanks to the highly focused radiation.
- Spouse, family member or friend drives patient home.
Treatment Options at Avera Cancer Institute
With early detection and expert oncology treatment, there’s hope. After a brain cancer diagnosis is determined, there are a variety of treatments based on your specific diagnosis. Turn to Avera Cancer Institute. Our board-certified oncologists have the specialty training needed to provide personalized cancer care. Cancer care teams partner with Avera's neurological services to provide integrated care, ensuring every need is met for our patients.
