Through a team approach, we can deliver the
best possible care for a patient with a brain tumor.
The Illinois Neurological Institute Brain Tumor
Clinic is a
joint effort between
the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, and the departments of
Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neuropathology, Medical
Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and the Department of Basic Science
at the University of Illinois Medical College at Peoria. The
goal is to provide state of the art comprehensive care to patients
with brain tumors, and to pursue and develop new treatments
through clinical and basic science research. A team approach
is used for evaluating and treating patients with brain tumors.
The INI has available:
MRI and MR spectroscopy
PET
scanning
Intraoperative
guidance center
Intraoperative neuropathology
Clinical trials for chemotherapy
Gamma Knife radiosurgery
IMRT
Cyber Knife
Trilogy
What You Need to Know If You Have a Brain Tumor
Very few things are more frightening than to be told that you
or your loved one has a brain tumor. However, there are very
many types of brain tumors, ranging from very slow growing,
benign tumors to fast growing, malignant tumors. Typically,
once a brain tumor is discovered, the first test needed is
a high quality MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan). The MRI allows the neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon to
narrow down the type of brain tumor that you have to one or
a couple of types. Sometimes, if it appears that the tumor
is small, benign, and causing no symptoms, it probably does
not need any further treatment, just close follow-up. Other
times the best treatment may be focused radiation, or
Gamma Knife
treatment. In many cases the tumor will require
a biopsy and/or be removed. Having a neuropathologist available
at the time of biopsy is very helpful to the neurosurgeon in
deciding what the best surgical options would be. Some brain
tumors can be cured with surgery, but often additional
treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy is needed.
