Glioma

Overview

A tumor is a collection or growth of abnormal cells. Tumors found in the brain typically are categorized as primary or secondary. The most common form of primary brain tumors, gliomas, start in the brain or spinal cord tissues. Secondary or metastatic brain tumors can begin in other parts of your body and spread (metastasize) to the brain.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience and expertise. Mayo Clinic's brain tumor treatment team includes more than 80 experienced and highly trained doctors who treat more than 3,600 children and adults with gliomas and other brain and nervous system tumors each year.
• Efficiency and teamwork. Mayo Clinic's teamwork system brings together the specialists you need to create a customized treatment plan for you. All testing and treatment planning usually can be completed in a few days rather than in several weeks or months. Also, you often can be scheduled for surgery at Mayo Clinic quickly, if needed.
• Newest research. Mayo Clinic doctors and scientists are active in the latest research on gliomas and other brain tumors, and Mayo Clinic participates in cooperative clinical research trial networks, including the North Central Cancer Treatment Group. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is the only multisite cancer center in the nation and one of three cancer centers to receive a National Cancer Institute-sponsored Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant for brain cancer research.
• World-famous services. Mayo Clinic pathologists are internationally known for their diagnostic skill. With one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world, pathologists analyze tissue samples not only for Mayo Clinic patients, but also for people across the U.S. and around the world.
• Neuro-Oncology Program. Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive Neuro-Oncology Program in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota to diagnose and treat tumors of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach by doctors who have extensive experience managing nervous system cancer.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals in neurology and neurosurgery.

Learn more about brain tumor treatment at Mayo Clinic or read more about brain tumors at MayoClinic.com.