Few things are more frightening than to be told that you or a loved one has a brain tumor. At the OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute Brain Tumor Center we understand the panic and anxiety that comes with this diagnosis.

Typically, once a brain tumor is discovered, a high-quality MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan) is taken. The scan allows your neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon to diagnose the type of tumor. 

If the tumor is small, benign and causes no symptoms, there may be no need for any treatment other than monitoring. In other situations, treatment may focus on radiation or Gamma Knife treatment. Surgical intervention may be recommended. 

Rest assured, your team at OSF will explore all options available to give you the best long-term outlook.

Brain Tumors We Treat

The most common types of brain tumors in adults are:

• Metastatic brain tumors
• Meningiomas
• Glioblastoma
• Acoustic neuromas
• Pituitary adenomas

Treatments We Offer

After diagnosis, you and your care team will agree upon a treatment plan. The following criteria will be considered when deciding on your best treatment plan:

• Type, size and characteristics of the tumor cells and blood vessels
• The aggressiveness of the brain cancer (is the tumor low-grade or high-grade)
• Your age and general health
• Symptoms that are related to the tumor

Depending on your situation, your brain cancer treatment plan may include a combination of observation, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Certain types of brain cancer surgery involves no incision and are painless. Stereotactic radiosurgery uses narrow beams of highly-focused radiation to the tumor, while sparing the surrounding tissue. 

OSF offers state-of-the-art radiosurgery options to adult and pediatric patients available at very few places in the world. Our radiosurgery options include:

• Proton beam
• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
• CyberKnife
• Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Care Team

OSF offers cutting-edge neuro-oncology treatment from a highly skilled team with a range of expertise. This team includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, medical oncologists and nurse navigators who work together to create a personalized treatment plan. They work closely together to ensure your brain tumor is treated with the highest level of care.

Your care team understands that your diagnosis affects your body, mind and emotions, as well as those of your family. We treat you, not just your condition, never forgetting that your recovery depends not only on expertise, but also on compassion. Choosing the right team and treatment plan is important.