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Brain Tumor

At Tufts Medicine, we diagnose and treat all types of cancerous and benign brain tumors using the most advanced techniques. From computer-assisted neuro-navigation to Gamma Knife surgery, our goal is to guide you along the road to recovery so you can return to enjoying the quality of life you deserve.

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Hope + healing for people living with brain tumors

Think of your brain and nervous system as the conductor of your body's orchestra. Everything from movement and organ function to emotions and feelings is guided by the steady rhythm from your brain, spine and nerves. When a tumor disrupts that rhythm, there can be serious effects on your health and wellbeing.

If you’re living with a cancerous or benign brain tumor, our neurosurgery team will be there for you every step of the way, from the initial diagnosis, to surgery, to recovery and beyond. We use the latest noninvasive techniques, like Gamma Knife surgery, to help you get your life back on track quickly and painlessly.

Neuro-oncologist Suriya Jeyapalan, MD, MPH sees a patient in clinic appointment at Tufts Medical Center's Cancer Center.
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Conditions

It's important to understand that while all brain cancers involve tumors, not all brain tumors are cancerous. That's why we work hand-in-hand with our colleagues in oncology and other specialties so your care is covered from all angles.

Brain tumors can be caused by a variety of factors or conditions, including:

Brain cancer
Genetic conditions
Head injury
Hormonal imbalances
Metastatic brain tumors
Radiation injuries
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Treatments

By combining surgery with medications,  radiation therapy and chemotherapy, we can offer the best treatment outcomes. We’ll work closely with you, your loved ones and the rest of your care team to create a uniquely-you treatment.

Gamma Knife surgery

Gamma Knife surgery is a safe, painless way to eliminate brain tumors without making incisions. Instead, we focus 192 beams of hyper-focused gamma radiation onto the area in need of care.

These beams destroy harmful cells while sparing healthy, nearby tissue. This approach has several benefits, including:

  • Less risk of infection and complications
  • Little to no pain
  • Shorter recovery times

In fact, most people can return to the activities they love in just a few days.

Neuro-navigation

Neuro-navigation gives our surgeons an extra boost of safety and precision when performing traditional brain tumor surgery. It uses computer-assisted imaging technologies to help your doctor “navigate” through brain tumor surgery. Here's how it works:

  • Before the procedure, you’ll undergo an imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan. These scans create detailed images of the brain, including the tumor. 
  • From there, we use specialized software to create a 3D map of the brain, tumor and surrounding structures. 
  • During the operation, we’ll overlay the 3D map of your surgical area with a robotic tracking system that monitors surgical instruments in real time. This allows us to see the exact location of the tumor and navigate steadily through the brain.
Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.

Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
Our doctors + care team

Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

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