Brain Tumor Conditions
The University of Maryland Medical Center Brain Tumor Treatment and Research Center success relies on an efficiently coordinated team of specialists who provide compassionate care.
We diagnose and treat a range of tumors, including:
Acoustic Neuroma – Also called vestibular schwannoma, these rare, usually slow-growing tumors in the skull base are typically benign. Because they develop on the nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain, they can lead to hearing and balance problems. Not every patient will need treatment right away and may be monitored for some time. If tumor growth is observed, we may recommend treatment such as microsurgery and/or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS).
Glioblastoma – The most common – and most aggressive – cancerous primary brain tumor in adults, glioblastomas grow rapidly, so treatment should begin as soon as possible. The primary treatment for glioblastoma is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely as possible, combined with radiation and chemotherapy.
Learn more about glioblastoma .
Meningioma – The most common type of brain tumor, these slow-growing brain tumors affect the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Although most meningiomas are not cancerous, some are.
Pituitary Tumors – Most of these tumors on the pea-sized "master" endocrine gland are not cancerous. Because the pituitary controls the other glands, these can cause hormonal imbalances that can dramatically affect your health and well-being. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and/or medications.
Learn more about pituitary tumors.
Metastatic Brain Tumor – These tumors form when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the brain. Usually discovered when a cancer patient has neurological symptoms, they can be a single tumor or more than one. A patient's specific treatment plan depends on several different factors. It may include a combination of medication, radiation therapy and/or surgery. Patients are monitored after treatment for possible reoccurrences.
Pineal Tumors – Pineal tumors start from normal cells in the pineal gland, an endocrine gland located in the center of the brain that secretes hormones like melatonin. These tumors are quite rare and not always cancerous but can still cause problems as they grow and press against other parts of the brain. Surgery is often needed to remove a pineal tumor, but depending on the size, location, type and grade of the tumor, sometimes radiation or chemotherapy after surgery is needed.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma – This type of cancer starts in the brain or spinal cord's white blood cells. The tumor causes pressure on the brain and can cause significant neurological symptoms. Treatment options vary depending on severity, extent of the cancer and the patient's age. Primary CNS lymphoma is most often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
