Brain and Skull Tumor Treatment

When you or someone you care about is diagnosed with a brain or skull base tumor, understanding your treatment options can help you feel more prepared. Treatment depends on several factors, including tumor type, size, location, your symptoms and overall health. Some tumors can be monitored, while others may require surgery or other treatments.

At Banner Health, your care team works with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. Read on to learn more.

Conditions we treat

Brain tumors or skull base tumors can vary widely. Your treatment depends on the type of tumor you have and how it affects your health. Your care team will evaluate your diagnosis and recommend next steps.

Banner Health provides care for many types of brain and skull base tumors, including:

• Gliomas and glioblastoma: Gliomas are tumors that develop from cells in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of glioma.
• Meningioma: Tumors that develop in the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Pituitary tumors: Tumors that develop in or around the pituitary gland may affect hormone levels or vision depending on size.
• Acoustic neuroma: A usually slow-growing tumor that develops along the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain.
• Metastatic brain tumors: Tumors that have spread to the brain from cancer elsewhere in the body.
• Skull base tumors: Tumors that develop in or near the bones at the base of the skull.

Learn more about other types of brain tumors.

How are brain and skull base tumors treated?

Treatment varies from person to person. Decisions are based on factors such as tumor type, size, location and behavior, your symptoms, overall health and personal goals. Many patients receive more than one type of treatment.

Depending on your diagnosis, your care team may recommend:

• Active monitoring: Some slow-growing or small tumors may be monitored with regular imaging and follow-up visits. 
• Brain biopsy: A biopsy may be recommended to identify the type and characteristics of a tumor and help guide treatment.
• Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove all or part of a tumor, relieve pressure or obtain tissue for diagnosis.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation uses targeted energy to destroy or control tumor cells. It may be used alone or with surgery or other treatments.
• Medication or systemic therapy: Some tumors may be treated with medications that target tumor cells or control the effects of the tumor.
• Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, speech or other rehabilitation may help you regain or maintain function during recovery.
• Supportive care: Your care team may also recommend treatments and services to manage symptoms and support quality of life.

How your care team develops a treatment plan

Your treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation. Your care team may consider:

• Imaging: MRI or CT scans can help show the tumor’s size, location and relationship to nearby structures.
• Pathology: If a biopsy was done, its results can tell what kind of tumor it is and its features.
• Tumor behavior: Your doctors may look at how fast the tumor is growing and if it has changed over time.
• Neurological symptoms: Changes in movement, speech, vision, balance, or memory can help guide treatment choices.
• Risks and benefits: Your medical team will weigh the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.
• Overall health: Your general health and other medical conditions can influence which treatments are suitable.
• Your goals: Your preferences, concerns and treatment goals are important parts of the decision-making process.

Treatment recommendations are often made collaboratively. Your care team will explain your options, answer your questions and work with you to choose an approach that fits your needs.

Neurosurgical treatment options

When surgery or another neurosurgical procedure is recommended, your treatment depends on the tumor’s location, size, type and relationship to nearby areas of the brain, nerves and blood vessels.

Brain biopsy

Brain biopsy may be used to obtain a small sample of tumor tissue. The results can help your care team identify the tumor and determine the most appropriate treatments.

Learn more about brain biopsy.

Brain and skull base surgery

Brain and skull base tumor surgery may be used to remove all or part of a tumor. The surgical approach depends on the tumor's location and its relationship to important structures.

Learn more about brain and skull base tumor surgery.

Craniotomy

Craniotomy is a surgery where part of the skull is temporarily removed to reach a tumor in the brain. It may be used for certain tumor surgeries and other neurosurgical procedures.

Learn more about craniotomy.

Minimally invasive brain surgery

Minimally invasive brain surgery involves smaller incisions (cuts), advanced imaging and specialized instruments. These techniques may help limit disruption to surrounding tissue and support recovery.

Learn more about minimally invasive brain surgery.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a highly focused form of radiation treatment. Despite its name, it does not involve a surgical incision. It may be an option for certain tumors based on their size, location and other factors.

Learn more about stereotactic radiosurgery.

Multidisciplinary brain and skull base tumor care

Treating a brain or skull base tumor may involve several specialists. Your care team may include:

• Neurosurgeons
• Neurologists
• Neuro-oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Medical oncologists
• Neuroradiologists
• Neuropathologists
• Rehabilitation specialists, in some cases
• Endocrinologists, in some cases

Bringing specialists together helps your care team consider different aspects of your diagnosis and coordinate your treatment. This multidisciplinary approach can help create a treatment plan tailored to your tumor, health and goals.

What to expect during treatment

Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may involve monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy, medication or a combination of approaches. Recovery varies based on the type of tumor, treatment and your overall health.

After treatment, you'll likely need follow-up scans and visits to see how you're doing. More treatments might be suggested if your tumor changes. If you have trouble with movement, speech, strength, balance or other functions, rehab might also be part of your recovery.

Your brain and skull base tumor care at Banner Health

At Banner Health, we tailor brain and skull base tumor care to each patient. Your care team uses advanced imaging and other diagnostic tools to understand your tumor and help guide treatment decisions. When appropriate, treatment may include open surgery, minimally invasive procedures, radiation therapy or other approaches.

Because brain and skull base tumors can affect complex and sensitive areas, your care may involve specialists from multiple fields. Your team works together to coordinate treatment and follow-up care, helping you move through diagnosis, treatment and recovery with a plan designed for your needs.

Find a Banner Health neurosurgeon.

FAQs

Does every brain tumor need surgery?

No, not always. Some tumors don’t require surgery. Depending on the type, size, location, growth rate and symptoms, your doctor may suggest monitoring, radiation, medication or other treatments. Surgery is usually for removing or testing the tumor.

Why do I need a brain biopsy?

A brain biopsy takes a small tissue sample for testing. It helps identify the tumor’s type and guides your treatment. Not everyone needs a biopsy.

Can some brain tumors be treated without surgery?

Yes. Some tumors can be managed without surgery. Your doctor might suggest monitoring, radiation, medication or a mix of treatments based on your diagnosis, symptoms, health and goals.

What is stereotactic radiosurgery? 

It’s a precise form of radiation therapy that targets tumors without cutting. It’s best for certain brain or skull base tumors.