Brain Tumors

If you have signs of a brain tumor, like headaches that get more frequent and severe, unexplained nausea, and changes in vision, you can depend on the fellowship-trained neurosurgeons at the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida. As brain tumor experts, the team provides today’s most advanced treatments, delivering your care with compassion and dedication to supporting your optimal health. If you’re worried about symptoms, don’t wait to schedule a consultation. Call the nearest office in Delray Beach or Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, or book online today.

What are brain tumors?

Brain tumors develop when cells grow rapidly and uncontrollably, creating a mass of tissue. All brain tumors are classified as primary or secondary.

Primary tumors originate in the brain and may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Secondary brain tumors begin as cancer in your body that spreads to your brain.

What are the different types of brain tumors?

More than 150 different brain tumors have been identified. Three of the most common include:

Meningiomas

Meningiomas, the most common benign brain tumors, begin in the membranes surrounding your brain (meninges). They grow slowly but cause symptoms when they press against nerves and blood vessels.

Schwannomas

Schwannomas are benign tumors growing in the nerve sheath (a structure surrounding the nerve). They most often affect the nerves controlling balance, eye movements, and hearing.

Gliomas

Gliomas, which account for 78% of all malignant brain tumors, begin in cells supporting the nerves. The different gliomas include:

• Astrocytomas
• Ependymomas
• Medulloblastomas
• Oligodendrogliomas
• Glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme is an especially aggressive cancer that grows rapidly.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

Your symptoms depend on variables like the size and location of the tumor. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Recurrent headaches (one of the earliest signs)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Vision loss
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Memory loss or confusion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty speaking
• Tingling in your arms or legs
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body

You may also experience personality changes, such as intense anger, aggressive behavior, or inappropriate laughter.

How are brain tumors treated?

The experts at the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida determine the best treatment based on the type, location, and grade of your brain tumor.

Whenever possible, they perform brain surgery to remove the tumor. The team is highly skilled in numerous precise surgical techniques to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

In some cases, your neurosurgeon may recommend radiation therapy, either with surgery or as your primary treatment. One advanced radiation treatment, Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, treats brain tumors without harming the surrounding tissues. 

Depending on the tumor, you may also be a good candidate for medication that stops growth by targeting the tumor’s genes or proteins. 

Don’t wait to seek help for a possible brain tumor. At the first sign of symptoms, call the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida or book online today.