Brain tumors can be primary – starting in the brain. Or, they can be metastatic – starting somewhere else and moving to the brain.
Metastatic brain tumors are much more common than primary. They can occur in 20% to 40% of cancer patients. The information below covers primary brain tumors only.
Brain tumors are abnormal growths in the brain that can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous). A benign brain tumor consists of very slow growing cells. Malignant tumors usually grow rapidly and invade surrounding tissue. They can cause the same types of problems depending upon their type and location in the brain.
Many different types of tumors can form in the brain and spinal cord. The tumors most often seen at The University of Kansas Cancer Center include:
- Astrocytomas
Tumors that develop from the star-shaped cells that form the supportive tissue of the brain
- Gliomas and Glioblastomas
Cancerous growths that can spread tentacles to surrounding brain tissue
- Meningiomas
Benign, slow-growing tumors in the protective membranes surrounding the brain
- Neurofibromas
Benign tumors of nerves and skin
- Pineal gland tumors
Tumors in the pineal gland region of the brain
- Pituitary adenomas
Benign tumors in the pituitary gland
Why You Should Choose The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Experience
If you have brain cancer, you will find the leading specialists you need at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Our interdisciplinary team of board-certified neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, neuroradiologists and neuro-oncologists have years of experience treating hundreds of patients with brain cancer. They dedicate their careers to the treatment of brain cancers. This team of specialists meets regularly to discuss our patients and review their progress.
Academic Approach
Because we are an academic center, we offer some of the region's most advanced cancer treatments. We are constantly finding new treatments to improve lives. We use state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects. We also use the latest findings in cancer research.
Community
Our staff also are accustomed to working with community health care providers. In many cases, you can receive some of your treatment near your own home in coordination with the staff at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Care Coordination
Each person is unique, so we tailor your care to your personal needs. This means doctors, nurses and other staff work closely together to develop the treatment plan that best fits your needs. We discuss every patient’s care and progress as a team at least once a week. We also work with other major centers to stay up to date.
Clinical Trials
We are part of many national clinical trials on cancer treatment. So, you benefit from our staff’s exposure to the latest options. You also may be able to take part in a clinical trial for brain cancer during your treatment.
To Make an Appointment:
Call: 913.588.1227
Toll free: 332.6048
Referring Physicians:
Call: 913.588.5862
Toll free: 877.588.5862