Neurosurgery for Brain Tumor Treatment
Neurosurgery is often the recommended treatment for patients with brain tumors, especially those with malignant tumors. Moffitt Cancer Center’s Neuro-Oncology Program features a wide range of specialists who focus on brain malignancies, including experienced neurosurgeons who have performed a high number of complex surgical procedures. As Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, our neurosurgeons have extensive experience and utilize advanced surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted neurosurgery.
Types of neurosurgery
At Moffitt, our patients have access to a wide range of neurosurgical procedures, including:
- Craniotomy. The neurosurgeon removes part of the skull to expose the brain, cuts away at the tumor and then replaces the bone.
- Endonasal endoscopy. An endoscope with a tiny camera is threaded through the nose and sinuses, allowing the neurosurgeon to access hard-to-reach parts of the brain.
- Neuroendoscopy. A small opening is made in the patient’s skull, allowing a neurosurgeon to use an endoscope and tiny camera to navigate a fluid chamber in the brain and remove a tumor.
- Skull base surgery. This surgery can be performed endoscopically or using open surgery, if necessary to access the tumor site.
- Laser ablation. Moffitt uses the Visualase® Laser Ablation system that destroys cancer cells by heating them. This MRI-guided treatment can be used in place of traditional neurosurgery.
Oftentimes, neurosurgery will be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. At Moffitt, our neurosurgeons collaborate closely with the other specialists in our Neuro-Oncology Program — which includes medical oncologists, neurologists and neuropathologists, among other clinicians — to develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans for our patients.
Neurosurgery at Moffitt Cancer Center
At Moffitt, every patient’s case is closely evaluated by our specialists to determine optimal treatment recommendations. Factors such as the type, location, size and grade of the brain tumor as well as the patient’s overall health, age and preferences are taken into consideration when developing treatment plans. This patient-centric, individualized approach is a key component of our treatment process.
Medically reviewed by Arnold Etame MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon
To request an appointment at Moffitt, contact us today at 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. Virtual care appointments are available.