Why choose us for brain tumor treatment?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our centers have international reputations for brain tumor treatment. Trust our track record of excellence to help improve your quality of life. From smaller incisions and shorter recovery times to advanced imaging techniques, our brain tumor patients benefit from our deep experience.

We offer:

  • Recognized expertise: The Siteman Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri. We rank among the top cancer facilities in the nation with U.S. News & World Report.

  • Research focus: Our researchers’ efforts lead directly to advancements in brain and spinal tumor treatment. We develop new therapies and offer you access to clinical trials. 

  • Team-based care: Our team of oncologists, neurosurgeons and other experts work together to come up with the most effective care plan for you. You benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists. 

  • Groundbreaking treatments: We were the first in Missouri to offer the Gamma Knife, a highly effective radiation tool that targets brain tumors in patients with gliomas, essential tremors, epilepsy and other neurologic diseases. Our neurosurgeons are also among the first in the country to treat brain tumors with hyperthermia treatment, a new procedure that dramatically reduces trauma and recovery time.

  • Advanced tools: MRI is a powerful tool that allows neurosurgeons to differentiate between healthy and diseased brain tissue. Our neurosurgeons use intraoperative MRI during surgery so they can more completely remove tumors the first time. We have the most experience with high-field-strength movable intraoperative MRI of any hospital in the United States.

  • Pituitary tumor treatment: Our Pituitary Tumor Center was the first multispecialty center in the region focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating pituitary tumors. We offer a range of innovative treatments designed to remove tumors safely while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Types of brain tumors

Brain tumors are classified as either primary or metastatic. Primary brain tumors originate in the brain and may spread within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). They rarely spread to other parts of the body. Metastatic brain tumors originate from a cancer in another organ and spread to the brain.

Types of brain tumors we treat include: 

    Diagnosing brain tumors

    Sometimes, tumors cause disruptive symptoms such as severe headaches or seizures. Other times, you don’t know you have a tumor until you have imaging scans for another health condition.

    When your doctor suspects a possible brain tumor, they’ll use several tools to figure out how big the tumor is, whether it’s cancerous and if you have tumors in other parts of your body. The answers to all of these questions help us create an effective treatment plan.

    Your diagnosis may include: 

    Receive computed tomography (CT) scans close to home.
    We provide quick, accurate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Our expertise and commitment to quality help you receive outstanding care.
    Stereotactic biopsy
    We perform a short procedure to remove a small piece of brain tissue for testing in a laboratory. You receive anesthesia so you are asleep during the biopsy.
    Brain tumor treatment at BJC

    Your brain tumor treatment plan varies depending on several factors, including how much the tumor has spread and how fast it is growing. We use a range of advanced treatment options, including emerging therapies for tumors that historically were inoperable.

    Your treatment may include:

    Awake craniotomy
    We remove a portion of the skull to access your brain and remove the tumor. You stay awake to ensure we do not affect any critical areas of the brain during the operation.
    Intraoperative MRI
    This tool allows us to use real-time MRI images in the operating room. You never have to be moved or repositioned during surgery and neurosurgeons operate with better precision.
    Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery
    We use precise, focused radiation beams to shrink and destroy tumors. This advanced procedure doesn't require any incisions.
    Hyperthermia treatment (laser interstitial thermal therapy)
    We make a very small scalp incision and guide a probe directly to the tumor. The probe heats and destroys the tumor without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
    Minimally invasive endoscopy
    We use very small incisions, a camera and special surgical tools to reach a brain tumor. These techniques lead to less pain, faster recovery and smaller scars.
    Skull base tumor surgery
    Minimally invasive techniques allow us to remove pituitary tumors through the nose rather than through a large head incision, leading to quicker recovery and lower complication rates.
    Chemotherapy
    Cancer-fighting drugs and other substances to halt abnormal cell growth, including cancer cells.
    Immunotherapy
    These treatments harness your own immune system to attack or destroy cancer cells.
    Radiation therapy
    High doses of radiation can shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells.
    Locations

    Schedule your appointment

     Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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