Brain Tumors

What Are Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors happen when cells in or near the brain grow abnormally. They can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors don’t spread, but they can still cause problems if they press on parts of the brain. Malignant tumors are more serious because they can grow into healthy brain tissue.

Most cancerous brain tumors — about 80% — don’t start in the brain. They spread from cancer in another part of the body. These are called metastatic tumors, or sometimes just “mets.”

How We Diagnose Brain Tumors

At MyMichigan Health, we use the latest technology to find and diagnose brain tumors. If your doctor thinks you may have a tumor, they might send you to a neurosurgeon or a radiation doctor (also called a radiation oncologist). These are some common tools they might use:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnets to take detailed pictures of your brain. It helps doctors see tumors clearly without needing to open your skull.
• CT Scan (Computerized Tomography): A special kind of X-ray that gives a detailed look at bones, blood vessels, and brain tissue.

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan depends on your tumor’s type, size, location, and your overall health. Here are some common treatments:

• Surgery (Craniotomy): A brain surgeon opens part of the skull to remove as much of the tumor as possible, while being careful to protect important brain areas. Surgery is often used for tumors bigger than 4 centimeters.
• Chemotherapy: Medicine that kills cancer cells. It can be taken as pills or through an IV. Chemotherapy works well for some cancers, but it’s not always effective for brain tumors.
• Radiation Therapy (Radiation Oncology): High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. This is often used after surgery or if surgery isn’t possible.