We know a brain cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling uncertain or scared. That’s why Baptist Health Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute brings together a team of brain tumor experts to support you through every step of the journey, from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.
You can feel confident that you have a capable, compassionate team on your side. Our neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists work together to create your personalized care plan. We can also include your family in discussions and decisions so you feel fully supported.
Types of Brain Tumors
Our team treats all types of brain cancer. Some brain cancers start in the brain, such as glioblastomas and meningiomas. We also treat metastatic brain cancer (cancer that spreads to the brain from another part of the body). Brain cancers are also sometimes called central nervous system tumors.
Our team includes experts from Marcus Neuroscience Institute to treat benign brain tumors and other brain conditions, including:
- Acoustic neuromas
- Schwannomas
- Pituitary adenomas
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Signs of Brain Tumor
Brain tumors can grow undetected for several years before you see any signs. Symptoms that do appear can depend on the brain tumor’s size, location and how quickly it grows. Some common signs of brain tumor include:
- Balance problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Eye problems (blurry or double vision, less peripheral vision)
- Fatigue
- Headaches (more frequent or severe, worse in the morning)
- Hearing loss
- Losing feeling or movement in arms or legs
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Personality changes
- Speech problems
Cancerous brain tumors can cause these symptoms to appear quickly and get worse within a few days to weeks.
Diagnosing Brain Tumors
Our team starts with a complete review of your records, including previous tests or imaging. This review involves neuro-radiologists who specialize in reading images of your brain. The review may also include neuro-pathologists who specialize in analyzing brain tumor biopsies.
Once we review your records, you may need additional tests and imaging. The Institute has access to the latest 3-Tesla MRI technology, which provides high-resolution images of the brain. These images help pinpoint the tumor location, allowing us to better target the tumor with radiation therapy or surgery.
We may also send a small piece of the tumor for molecular testing. Molecular tests help us determine your type of cancer so we can find a precise and effective treatment.
A One-of-a-Kind Treatment Plan Designed by a Team of Experts
Our specialists customize each treatment plan to your type of cancer. We’ll consider your age, overall health, symptoms and quality of life before deciding which approach is right for you. In some cases, that may mean waiting to start treatment or choosing a shorter course of treatment.
You’ll begin your treatment journey by meeting with your entire care team. During this visit, you have the opportunity to discuss your diagnosis and potential treatment plan with our team of experts. This way, you get several expert opinions all in one visit.
Our team of experts will also collaborate on your treatment plan. By combining our expertise, we can help provide a more personalized and effective approach to treating your cancer.
The Latest Treatment Options for Brain Cancer
At the Institute, you have access to the latest therapy options, including state-of-the-art radiation and radiosurgery treatments.
Your options for brain cancer management and treatment may include:
- Surveillance (“watchful waiting” with no immediate treatment)
- Chemotherapy, including oral or IV chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- Tumor treating fields
- CyberKnife® radiosurgery
- Proton therapy
- Surgery
Take care of your well-being with support services, including:
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Social work support and counseling
- Exercise and wellness classes, including yoga and Tai Chi
Our Approach
When you come to the Institute for brain cancer treatment, you can expect:
- A complete treatment plan that considers all aspects of your health and well-being.
- A team of experts who collaborate on your treatment and work together to support you throughout the cancer journey.
- The latest diagnostic technology and treatment options, all available under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy delivers precise doses of radiation to a specific area of the body or brain. This reduces damage to healthy tissue around the tumor. The radiation dose is also adjusted based on the shape of the tumor. At the Institute, we carefully plan every radiation therapy treatment using detailed imaging to make sure the treatment is as accurate and effective as possible.
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Brain cancer treatment can cause some neurological changes, such as memory problems and fatigue. Our team will work closely with you before, during and after treatment to help you find ways to cope with any changes.
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If your brain tumor is benign (noncancerous), a cure is possible if we can remove the entire tumor. However, if your tumor is malignant (cancerous), your outcome will depend on how quickly your tumor grows and how well it responds to treatment.
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Brain cancer survival rates depend on your age. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for patients under age 15 is 75 percent, and it is 72 percent if you’re between ages 15 and 39. For patients aged 40 and older, the five-year survival rate drops to 21 percent.
Cancer Support Services
At the Institute, we believe in caring for your whole health. Through the Cancer Patient Support Center, we provide care for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs, both during and after cancer treatment.
Help for Managing Symptoms
We do more than just treat your disease. Our compassionate and comprehensive cancer care supports the whole person. Our CLASSIC Program helps provide holistic care so you can experience a better quality of life.
Meet Our Brain Cancer Specialists
Radiation Oncology
Clinical Trials
At Lynn Cancer Institute, we treat cancer in today’s patients and offer hope for those who may get the disease in the future. Through clinical trials, we study promising new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. As our patient, you have access to trials and treatments that aren’t widely available elsewhere.
If a clinical trial may be right for you, we’ll talk with you about the potential benefits and risks. We make your overall well-being and safety our top priority if you choose to participate.