Brain Tumors

Treatment

At Mayo Clinic, a multidisciplinary team of more than 80 experienced specialists work together to diagnose and treat people with brain tumors and provide the high-quality, integrated care for which Mayo Clinic is known. When appropriate, the problem and case history may be discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board meeting to determine the best treatment plan. Quality of life is an important consideration in Mayo's treatment approach.

Because new treatments continually develop, several options may be available at different points during treatment. The pros and cons of each option are discussed during treatment planning. Advanced technology at Mayo provides the neurosurgeon with real-time data on tumor volume and location during surgery.

Treatment is tailored to your needs and those of your family. Aside from surgery, most brain tumor care is delivered on an outpatient basis. Whenever possible, Mayo specialists work with local doctors to administer therapy closer to home if you live a long distance from Mayo Clinic.

A team approach

You may see several Mayo Clinic specialists from the brain tumor treatment team, including:

• Neurology. Your initial visit will likely be with a neurologist who has expertise and additional training in neuro-oncology. This doctor generally serves as the "quarterback" for your care, coordinating tests and specialist appointments, and developing a plan of care.
• Neurosurgery. Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons are highly experienced, performing thousands of brain surgeries each year, using the latest technological advances, such as intraoperative MRI, awake brain surgery and lasers. Mayo neurosurgeons pioneered the use of computer-assisted neurosurgery to accurately and safely remove brain tumors. Some tumors can be removed using minimally invasive techniques.
• Radiation oncology. Radiation oncologists use high-energy X-rays, electron beams or radioactive isotopes to kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists at Mayo Clinic ensure that you will receive care from someone highly skilled at treating your specific condition.
• Medical oncology. Medical neuro-oncologists manage chemotherapy or biological therapy, as well as medical disorders arising from the tumor or treatments. The neuro-oncology team of doctors, nurses and social workers use a careful and compassionate approach.
• Neuropathology. Identifying your type of cancer is crucial to providing appropriate treatment. Mayo Clinic pathologists are world renowned for their diagnostic skill.
• Neuroradiology. Neuroradiologists specialize in the imaging of brain tumors. Mayo Clinic performs about 11,000 diagnostic tests on the head, neck and spine each year and a more than 2 million total diagnostic tests each year. These images are essential in guiding neurosurgery or radiation treatments, or deciding about other treatment options.
• Other services. Mayo Clinic offers access to other services, including supportive care, counseling, neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric services, brain rehabilitation and pain management whenever needed.

Read more about brain tumor treatments and drugs at MayoClinic.com.