A New Diagnosis
Individuals may discover that they have a brain tumor as a result of experiencing symptoms like seizures, severe headaches, or dizziness for which they seek out medical attention. Other times, people may find out that they have a brain tumor after receiving an MRI scan for another, unrelated reason. In either case, receiving a brain tumor diagnosis can be stressful, but you have time to review your options and consider your next steps.
If you received a diagnosis in the emergency room or from a primary care physician, it is important to get a second opinion from a specialist who can help you assess the best treatments available to you as well as clinical trials you may be eligible for. You can reach our adult clinic at (415)353-7500 and our pediatric clinic at (877)822-4453 or request second opinion online.
Surgery is typically the first-line treatment for patients with a new brain tumor diagnosis. Researchers at the UCSF Brain Tumor Center and other institutions have demonstrated that safely removing as much of the tumor as possible improves patient outcomes. Using brain mapping techniques, our neurosurgeons can reduce the risk of damaging areas of the brain that control language, sensory processing, and motor abilities during the tumor resection. Depending on the type of tumor and its location in the brain, the surgeons may be able to remove the tumor through minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.
After surgery, a neuropathologist analyzes the tissue sample to assess what kind of brain tumor you have. Historically, this process involved examining the tumor under the microscope, but now researchers use genomic sequencing to more accurately diagnose the type of tumor you have based on its molecular features.
At UCSF, a multidisciplinary team of experts regularly convene at a meeting known as tumor board to review brain tumor cases and determine the best course of treatment for each patient. Your personalized treatment plan may include radiation and medications like chemotherapy or targeted therapies. You will continue receiving ongoing imaging to monitor how your brain tumor is responding to therapy and look for signs of recurrence. You may also be able to enroll in a clinical trial with a novel therapy or treatment modality.
In addition to treating your tumor, at UCSF we offer comprehensive supportive care for patients with brain cancer and their families. The Sheri Sobrato Survivorship Program aims to enhance the quality of life for patients through services including support groups, peer mentoring, cognitive rehabilitation, and more. The UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program supports family members and loved ones to help prepare them for their new roles as caregivers.
This content was reviewed by John de Groot, MD, Chief of the Division of Neuro-Oncology within the neurosurgery department at UCSF.