Primary Brain Cancer
Primary brain cancers are tumors that originate in the brain tissue itself. Unlike metastatic brain tumors that spread from other parts of the body, primary brain tumors rarely spread to distant organs. At RWJBarnabas Health, our experienced team of neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists work together to provide comprehensive care for all types of primary brain tumors.
At RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health care system, we deliver advanced care through our collaborative team of brain cancer specialists and researchers. Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we provide patients access to innovative clinical trials and emerging therapies. Using cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies, we develop individualized treatment plans while offering extensive support services and rehabilitation programs to address your unique needs.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ
or 844-226-2376.
Types of Primary Brain Cancer
Primary brain tumors are classified based on the type of cells where they originate:
- Ependymomas. These tumors form in the ventricles deep inside the brain, or spinal cord. They are more common in children and can be slow- or fast-growing.
- Gliomas. These include astrocytomas (including glioblastoma), which are the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults. They develop from star-shaped cells called astrocytes and range from slow-growing (low-grade) to aggressive (high-grade).
- Medulloblastomas. The most common cancerous brain tumor in children, located in the cerebellum (lower back part of the brain at the base of the skull, just above the brainstem), which controls complex motor functions, movement, balance and coordination.
- Meningiomas. These tumors arise from the membranes covering the brain. They are usually slow-growing and often benign and are most common in adults over 60.
- Oligodendrogliomas. These tumors develop from cells that produce myelin. They are generally slow-growing and are more common in middle-aged adults.
We also treat tumors such as craniopharyngiomas, schwannomas (acoustic neuromas) and pituitary tumors, which may not be cancerous but can affect the brain and therefore, neurological function.
Primary Brain Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of primary brain cancer vary depending on tumor location and size. General symptoms often include headaches that may follow a new or different pattern, are typically worse in the morning, and can become more severe with coughing or straining.
Patients may experience neurological symptoms such as:
- Seizures
- Weakness or paralysis
- Problems with balance
- Speech difficulties
- Vision changes
Cognitive symptoms can include:
- Memory problem
- Personality changes
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
Physical manifestations of brain tumors often include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Problems with coordination
- Changes in appetite or weight
Primary Brain Cancer Diagnosis
Our comprehensive diagnostic approach combines several advanced techniques.
We use sophisticated imaging technologies to precisely locate and characterize tumors, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
Specialized testing includes:
- Thorough neurological examinations
- Cognitive assessments
- Vision and hearing tests
- Spinal tap procedures when needed
- Biopsies for molecular and genetic testing of tumor tissue
Comprehensive Brain Cancer Treatment Options
Our approach considers several key factors, including the tumor type and grade, its location and size, your age and overall health, and your personal preferences and goals.
Treatment can help control or cure brain tumors while improving your quality of life by managing symptoms. Our primary goals are to remove or destroy the brain tumor, stop or slow the growth and spread of tumor cells, prevent or delay the tumor's return, and ease symptoms such as headaches or seizures.
Our comprehensive treatment options combine multiple approaches for optimal results. Through advanced surgical techniques, our neurosurgeons utilize computer-guided technology, intraoperative imaging, and minimally invasive approaches to achieve maximum tumor removal while preserving brain function. When appropriate, we perform sophisticated awake craniotomy procedures that allow us to carefully monitor brain function during surgery.
Our radiation oncologists use targeted techniques to precisely deliver treatment while protecting healthy brain tissue. Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in treatment, with options including stereotactic radiosurgery, high-dose, tightly focused radiation beam localized to the brain for both benign and malignant tumors.
- Cyberknife. A robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors throughout the body noninvasively.
- Gamma Knife. A stereotactic radiosurgery device that allows our neurologists to treat neurological conditions without surgery.
- Proton therapy. Rather than using rays of radiation, like gamma rays or X-rays, particle beam therapy uses particles such as protons. This treatment is highly targeted and used in brain cancer treatment to prevent adverse effects to tissue that is right next to a tumor.
We offer targeted therapies designed to attack specific types of tumor cells when appropriate. This is also known as precision medicine.
We frequently combine these treatments with other approaches for maximum effectiveness, and eligible patients may access novel drug combinations through our clinical trials program.
RWJBarnabas Health’s multidisciplinary care team works closely with patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and preferences, putting you on the path to the best possible outcome. And expert tumor board review is conducted for every patient.
Expert Primary Brain Cancer Care at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute
Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, we provide comprehensive brain cancer care in a compassionate, state-of-the-art environment. We combine the latest technological advances with experienced specialists to deliver optimal outcomes for our patients.
Our oncologists, nurses, oncology nurse navigators, and support professionals provide customized treatments for brain cancer and spine cancer that are close to home.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ
or 844-226-2376.
