Brain Tumor Surgery

What is a brain tumor?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or the central nervous system. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can also spread to the brain from other parts of the body.

Types of Brain Tumors

We have teams of specialists that have expertise in all these tumor types.

• Gliomas: These tumors arise from glial cells, which support and protect neurons. Types of gliomas include astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma.
• Meningiomas: These tumors grow from the protective membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord.
• Metastatic Tumors: Metastatic brain tumors are tumors that spread to the brain from other parts of the body. They are also known as secondary brain tumors.
• Pituitary tumors: These tumors develop in the pituitary gland, which produces hormones.
• Schwannomas: These tumors grow on nerve-insulating cells (Schwann cells).
• Skull-Based Tumors: These tumors may grow in the area behind the nose and eyes, near the ear, and along the base of the brain.

Malignancy

We see patients with both benign and malignant tumors.

• Benign: These tumors are non-cancerous and typically grow slowly.
• Malignant: These tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Surgery

There are several types of brain tumor surgery, including:

• Craniotomy: The most common type of surgery, where a section of the skull is removed to access the tumor.
  
  • Awake Surgery – Also known as awake craniotomy, awake brain surgery involves removing a brain tumor while the patient is awake to allow for precise mapping of brain functions and minimize the risk of damaging critical areas.
• Endoscopic/ Transsphenoidal surgery: Surgery through the nose to remove tumors located at the base of the brain.
• Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) provides a detailed view of the brain and spinal cord during surgery vastly improving precision resection of the tumor.
• Laser ablation or laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that allows us to treat all types of brain tumors including those that are located deep within the brain and challenging to remove.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: Incisionless brain surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery uses tiny beams of high-energy radiation focused on the tumor to eliminate the abnormal cells. Stereotactic radiosurgery is used on tumors that are located deep inside the brain and are difficult to remove without damaging surrounding tissue.

Advancing Brain Tumor Treatment

At University of Michigan Health, we are involved in developing the next generation of incisionless/radiation free therapy.

• Scientists are working to develop an ultrasound therapy (Histotripsy) to treat brain tumors without having to make an incision.
• Researchers are developing the next generation of medications to increase survival. U-M Health Neurosurgeons, Neuro-oncologists, and Radiation Oncologists are working together in testing several medications which could improve survival in those with brain tumors
• U-M Health neurosurgeons are working to develop a method where a diagnosis of brain tumors could be made without the need for a brain biopsy. When successful, this could prevent the need for diagnostic brain surgery.

Together, we work to ensure personalized treatment recommendations that will maximize the benefits for each individual patient. Whether you are a patient with a new diagnosis or are seeking a second opinion after prior treatment, an appointment with a neurosurgeon at the Brain Tumor Program will provide access to the brain tumor expertise and clinical trial options only available at University of Michigan Health.

Meet our Neurosurgeons

• Wajd Al-Holou, MD
• David Altshuler, MD
• Jason Heth, MD
• Todd Hollon, MD
• Greg Thompson, MD
• Matt Willsey, MD
• Aditya S. Pandey, MD

Clinical Trials

At University of Michigan Health, we have numerous clinical trials that you may be eligible for. To set up a visit to discuss your eligibility, please contact us at 734-763-7716.

Patient Stories

Hear from our patients as they share their stories and learn about the latest in brain tumor care on Health Lab

• Father’s cancerous brain tumor found weeks after the birth of his daughter | Michigan Medicine(link is external)
• Awake surgery for cancerous brain tumor brings referee back to the mat(link is external)
• A Brain Tumor at 27, and a Team that Changed Her Life(link is external)
• In 10 seconds, AI model detects cancerous brain tumor often missed during surgery(link is external)