Brain Tumor

The physicians of Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo understand the physical and medical implications of a brain tumor diagnosis. We fully comprehend the emotional toll a brain tumor diagnosis can have on a patient and their family. That’s why Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo is proud to offer comprehensive brain tumor care, from advanced surgical procedures to patient support and counseling.

Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo provides specialized medical care for patients with primary benign tumors, malignant tumors or brain metastasis from another part of the body. Our practice is a major brain tumor center, performing various brain tumor related procedures every year. Most importantly, the physicians and staff of Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo are here every step of the way to give brain tumor patients a clear direction, and a clear advantage.

Brain Tumor (Overview)

This is a mass of abnormal cells. It may be inside your brain, or it may be next to your brain. It can grow and press harmfully against healthy brain tissue. This can cause a wide range of problems throughout your body. A brain tumor can severely impact your life.

Astrocytoma

This is a tumor that begins in a brain cell called an “astrocyte.” These cells help give your brain its structure. An astrocytoma can form in your brain, in your brain stem or in your spinal cord. There are many types of astrocytomas. They can be cancerous or noncancerous. They can grow slowly or quickly. A doctor can figure out the specific type you have.

Craniotomy for Tumor

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for brain tumor removal. The surgery usually requires between two to five hours to complete. The length of surgery depends on the type and size of the tumor.

Stereotactic Biopsy

In this surgical procedure, the physician takes a small sample of tissue from the brain through a hole in the skull. Stereotactic biopsy is commonly used to take a sample from a tumor. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and requires at least an overnight hospital stay.

Meningioma

This is a tumor in your meninges. These thin layers of protective tissue surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous. They usually grow slowly.

Craniotomy for Meningioma (Brain Tumor)

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for removal of a meningioma. This type of tumor is found in the dura – the fibrous membrane between the brain and skull. The surgery usually requires several hours to complete, depending on the location and size of the meningioma.

Metastatic Brain Tumor

This is a cancer that began elsewhere in your body and then spread to your brain, forming one or more tumors. Many different cancers can spread this way. These tumors are actually more common than tumors that begin in the brain’s own tissues.

Pituitary Tumor

Your pituitary gland is found just under your brain. This pea-sized gland makes hormones that affect many of your body’s functions. A pituitary tumor can cause it to release too much or too little of these hormones. This can cause serious problems.

Pituitary Tumor Surgery (Transsphenoidal Approach)