Brain Tumors 101: Treatment for Glioblastomas & Meningiomas

Brain tumors affect thousands of people each year and can significantly change a life. This is an unfortunate reality for about one million people in the United States who are living with a primary brain tumor, making brain tumor treatment a critical area of medical research and care. 

Brain tumors come in many forms, with glioblastomas and meningiomas being among the most common and challenging types to treat. Knowing how brain tumors are diagnosed and the treatment options available in Los Angeles can help patients and their families feel more confident when facing this diagnosis. 

Read on to understand more about brain tumors, explore the advanced treatments that expert neurosurgeons in Los Angeles offer, and what you can expect during treatment and recovery. 

Brain Tumors 101: What Are They and How Do They Form? 

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain that can either start there, known as primary tumors, or spread from other parts of the body, known as secondary or metastatic tumors. They can be benign, meaning non-cancerous and usually slower growing, or malignant, which are cancerous and often more aggressive. This difference affects how doctors treat them and the outlook for patients. Common types include: 

• Glioblastomas and astrocytomas, which are aggressive primary tumors
• Meningiomas, often benign tumors that grow from the brain’s lining
• Metastases, which come from cancers elsewhere in the body

Brain tumors can form due to genetic factors like family history or inherited conditions, as well as environmental influences such as exposure to radiation. Age and gender also play a role, with some tumors appearing more often in certain groups. 

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location, but often include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Changes in movement or speech
• Shifts in thinking or behavior

Because early detection is important, anyone experiencing persistent neurological symptoms should see a neurology specialist right away.

How are Brain Tumors Diagnosed? 

Brain tumors are diagnosed using several imaging techniques that help doctors see where the tumor is and how big it is: 

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are the most common tools for diagnosing brain tumors, as they can provide detailed pictures of the brain’s structure. 
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other advanced imaging methods can show how the tumor is using energy and whether it has spread to other areas. 
• Before surgery, doctors may use functional MRI to map important brain areas responsible for movement, speech, or memory, helping to avoid damaging these during treatment. 
• To confirm the type of tumor, a doctor may take a small tissue sample through a needle biopsy or during surgery for laboratory testing.

What are the Different Surgical Options for Removing Brain Tumors? 

Surgical removal of a brain tumor, usually called a tumor resection, is often the first line of treatment for brain tumors. Several options are available depending on the tumor's location and characteristics: 

• A craniotomy is the most common approach, where surgeons temporarily remove a section of skull to access and remove as much of the tumor as possible. 
• An awake craniotomy may be performed for tumors near areas controlling speech or movement. This type of surgery allows the patient to respond to questions or perform simple tasks during surgery, so surgeons can avoid damaging critical brain functions. 
• Endoscopic surgery offers a less invasive alternative for certain tumors, using small instruments inserted through tiny openings in the skull or through the nose, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. 

After surgery, most patients typically spend several days in the hospital, with full recovery taking weeks to months. While surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, or neurological damage, technological advances like computer navigation and intraoperative imaging have made these procedures safer, with many patients experiencing improvement in their symptoms following tumor removal.

Are There Any Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumors? 

Non-surgical treatments play a crucial role in managing brain tumors and are often used alongside surgery or when surgery isn't possible. These options include: 

• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill tumor cells. It is delivered through various methods, including traditional external beam radiation that targets the tumor area over several weeks, or stereotactic radiosurgery, which delivers precise, high-dose radiation in fewer sessions. 
• Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells and may be given orally or intravenously, with medications like temozolomide commonly used for brain tumors. 
• Targeted therapies represent a newer approach, using drugs designed to attack specific abnormalities in tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. These include drugs targeting blood vessel formation or specific genetic mutations. 

These non-surgical options can shrink tumors, slow their growth, or prevent recurrence, though they come with side effects ranging from fatigue and hair loss to nausea and immune system suppression. Some side effects can be managed with additional medications and therapies. 

Where to Find the Best Brain Tumor Surgeon in Los Angeles

When facing a brain tumor diagnosis, finding the right surgical team is crucial. At California Neurosurgical Specialists, we bring precision, expertise, and compassion to every procedure. 

Dr. Benet and his team are dedicated to using cutting-edge treatments and minimally invasive techniques to remove brain tumors while preserving critical functions. We take the time to understand each patient’s unique case, providing personalized care and clear guidance through every step of treatment. 

Whether you or a loved one is facing a diagnosis, consulting an experienced neurosurgeon for personalized treatments is the best thing you can do. With advanced technology and a commitment to positive outcomes, we strive to make the path to recovery as smooth as possible. 

Ready to get accurate diagnoses and advanced treatment from the best brain tumor surgeon in Los Angeles?