There are several different types of brain tumors, as well as different treatment options for each kind.

Intrinsic Tumors

Intrinsic tumors are located within the brain itself. This category of tumor can include many malignant tumors, such as:

• Gliomas

• Astrocytomas

• Anaplastic astrocytomas

• Oligodendrogliomas

• Ependymomas

• Medulloblastomas

• Glioblastomas

Malignant intrinsic brain tumors are one of the most, if not the most, difficult problems in cancer. The best therapy we can offer depends on the type of tumor being treated and the location of the tumor.

Therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and immunotherapy.

Skull Base Tumors

Skull base tumors can be particularly tricky to treat, due to their location -- at the junction of spinal cord and brain stem. Tumors here tend to be located deep within the head and unlike other tumors, may be comprised of any of the tissue types nearby, including nerve, brain, sinus, and bone tissue.

The category of skull base tumors includes:

• Meningiomas

• Acoustic neuromas

• Vestibular schwannomas

• Chordomas

• Chondromas

• Pituitary tumors

Once considered inoperable, advances at Duke in imaging and surgical technique have allowed for a more positive prognosis for skull base patients.

Each patient is evaluated by our skull base team of neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, oncologists, radiation therapists, and interventional radiologists prior to recommending therapy. Using this team approach, the patient is fully involved in his or her recovery.

Pediatric Brain Tumors

As with all services at Duke, pediatric brain tumor treatment takes a team approach. Children with brain tumors are evaluated by our team of pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric oncologists, and pediatric radiotherapists to devise the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
 
Several innovative protocols are presently being employed to combat even the most recalcitrant of pediatric brain tumors. Your child’s tumor location, type, and size will all help determine the course of treatment.