Brain Cancer

It can be alarming to learn you have brain cancer. Through our partnership with Penn Medicine, neuroscience and cancer experts provide advanced surgical and cancer treatment options and compassionate care that's focused on you.

Brain Cancer Symptoms

Brain cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the tumor. Brain tumor symptoms can often be similar to those caused by other conditions, such as a stroke or migraine headache.

If you experience the following symptoms, see your doctor for an evaluation:

• Persistent headaches that may be worse in the morning
• Seizures
• Numbness, weakness, or a tingling sensation that may only affect one side of your body or face
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cognitive changes, such as memory loss or difficulty understanding speech
• Personality or mood changes
• Blurred or impaired vision

Seek immediate medical care if your symptoms are sudden or severe.

Brain Cancer Types

Most brain tumors are benign (not cancerous). A malignant brain tumor, or brain cancer, occurs when cells grow abnormally and form a mass or spread (metastasize) to the brain from cancer in another area of the body. As it grows, a tumor can put pressure on parts of your brain, causing symptoms that include severe headaches, seizures, memory loss, and more.

Primary malignant brain tumors are a rarer form of brain cancer. These tumors form in the brain and can invade surrounding brain tissue. Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors. These tumors develop in glial cells, which support and help the function of neurons in your brain.

Types of gliomas include:

• Astrocytoma
• Ependymoma
• Glioblastoma
• Oligodendroglioma

Each type has its own characteristics, growth patterns, and treatment options.

Secondary brain tumors, known as metastatic brain cancer, are the most common form of brain cancer. These tumors can spread (metastasize) to the brain from another part of the body. While metastatic brain cancer can happen with any cancer type, it most commonly occurs with the following cancers:

• Breast
• Lung
• Kidney
• Prostate
• Melanoma

The exact cause of malignant brain tumors is often unknown. However, risk factors include genetic abnormalities, a family history of brain tumors, environmental factors, or radiation exposure.

Brain Cancer Diagnosis at Virtua

Malignant brain tumors are typically diagnosed through medical evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

The diagnostic process may involve the following:

Medical history and physical examination

You’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors with your doctor. You’ll also have a physical exam, including neurological tests, to assess your brain function.

Diagnostic imaging

Imaging tests play a crucial role in diagnosing brain cancer. The neurosurgery team at Virtua uses advanced diagnostic imaging techniques and tools, including:

Advanced MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

• Functional MRI maps areas of the brain that control critical functions like speech, vision, and movement.
• Perfusion MRI determines the grade and blood volume of a tumor.
• Diffusion tensor imaging, also called fiber tracking, identifies and maps white matter fibers connecting different areas of your brain.

CT (computed tomography) scan, with or without contrast, creates detailed pictures of your brain to show abnormalities and locate tumors.

Positron emission tomography (PET scan) helps stage cancer and detect metabolic changes in a tumor.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose a brain tumor. It involves taking a small tissue sample from the tumor for examination under a microscope. Your neurosurgeon will choose one of the following biopsy options depending on the tumor's size and location:

• Stereotactic needle biopsy, using 3D imaging and a thin, hollow needle to remove a tissue sample
• Open surgical biopsy, removing a piece of the skull to access the tumor and take a tissue sample

Lab tests

The tissue from your biopsy may undergo lab tests, including molecular analysis, to determine the type and grade of the tumor. These tests help pinpoint specific genetic or molecular markers to guide treatment decisions.

Most brain tumors are either high-grade (fast-growing) or low-grade (slow-growing).

Our team prioritizes providing you with an accurate diagnosis so your treatment planning can begin as quickly as possible. We’re also here to support you and your family, answering all your questions and addressing your concerns.

Brain Cancer Treatment at Virtua

If you’ve been diagnosed with a metastatic or primary brain tumor, you can access advanced surgical options and comprehensive care from Penn Medicine and Virtua Health experts in neurosciences and cancer.

Your treatment may involve a combination of neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy, proton therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies. Your treatment plan is personalized based on your tumor type, size, location, and grade, and your overall health.

In most cases, you can receive all your care here in South Jersey. This includes:

World-class neurosurgical care: Your care is led by nationally recognized neurosurgeons from the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program. These experts draw upon the latest research and clinical advances to deliver the highest level of care available. Working in close collaboration with experts from the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer program, our skilled physicians, nurses, and therapists provide individualized, compassionate care for a full range of neurologic and cancer-related conditions.

Leading-edge technology: Our neurosurgeons use advanced neuro-navigation technology during surgery. This powerful image-guided technology helps pinpoint the location of tumors near brain fiber tracts. This allows the surgeon to remove the cancer safely while minimizing damage to surrounding brain tissue.

Dedicated oncology nurse navigation: Your oncology nurse navigator provides personalized support before, during, and after cancer treatment to help you understand your diagnosis, streamline communications and scheduling, and connect you with support services.

Targeted radiation treatment: Our neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists use targeted radiosurgery technology to improve outcomes for patients with brain cancer while minimizing side effects, risks, and discomfort. We also provide innovative internal and external radiation therapy options.

Advanced proton therapy in South Jersey: A more precise form of radiation therapy called proton therapy is used to treat certain types of cancer, including brain tumors. We use this advanced treatment for tumors near highly sensitive areas or if surgery cannot completely remove a tumor. The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Proton Therapy Center is part of our radiation oncology location in Voorhees and is the only proton therapy center in South Jersey.

Coordinated neurosurgery care and communications: Led by our neurosurgeons, our experienced team includes neurologists, radiologists, neuro-hospitalists, nurses, and therapists. Together, we work closely with you and your referring physician to deliver the expert treatment and follow-up care you need.

When a higher level of brain cancer care is needed, Virtua’s partnership with Penn Medicine means you have easy and coordinated access to Penn Medicine specialists and neurocritical care in Philadelphia.