Dr. John D. Lipani is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy brain and spine function by providing state-of-the-art neurosurgery in New Jersey. Dr. Lipani offers conventional open surgical brain and spine procedures as well as non-invasive brain and spine treatment options using radiosurgery.
Brain cancer is a collection of a malignant growth of cells within the brain tissue. There are two main types of brain tumors: primary brain tumors and metastatic brain tumors. A primary brain tumor starts in the brain, while a metastatic brain tumor starts somewhere else in the body and spreads to the brain.
Genetic factors, various environmental toxins, radiation to the head, HIV infection and cigarette smoking have all been linked as possible causes of brain cancer.
Not all brain tumors cause symptoms. Brain cancer symptoms are numerous and can be imitated by many other illnesses. The best way to detect the presence of a brain tumor is to undergo a diagnostic test such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain. A biopsy may also be performed to remove a small tissue sample for microscopic evaluation to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Brain cancer symptoms include headache, weakness, clumsiness, difficulty walking and seizures. While these symptoms can be characteristic of many different medical conditions, it is important for patients to seek medical attention, especially if they are at a higher risk of developing a brain tumor. If you have a known brain tumor, change in symptoms or a rapid worsening of symptoms, it is extremely important to address this with a neurosurgeon. Changes in mental status, visual changes, difficulty with speech, changes in behavior, nausea and/or vomiting and a sudden onset of fever all warrant an emergency room evaluation.
If left untreated, brain tumors can lead to life-threatening complications that lead to permanent brain damage or even death. It is important for patients with brain cancer to seek prompt and thorough medical attention to prevent these complications from occurring. Brain cancer treatment varies depending on the individual patient, their overall health and the type, location and severity of the tumor.
Most brain cancer treatment plans require brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging the nearby tissues. Because brain cancer surgery is considered an invasive procedure, it may not be suitable for all patients. Radiation therapy and radiosurgery are techniques that use radiation to destroy tumor cells. This method, in conjunction with chemotherapy, is often very successful. After a thorough evaluation, your neurosurgeon will be able to identify the right treatment option for your specific condition.
For more information about brain cancer treatment and brain cancer surgery, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
