Brain cancer
Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells that grow in the brain which are not always cancerous. If a tumor is harmful, it can affect your nervous system. We offer treatments, such as chemo, radiation therapy, surgery and rehabilitation services.
Brain cancer treatment in Florida
When it comes to a brain cancer diagnosis, we understand you want access to expert, reliable specialists to create your treatment plan.
At HCA Florida Physicians — a network of physician practices across the state — we've got just those doctors, ready and waiting to stand in your corner. Our neuro-oncologists specialize in treating advanced forms of brain cancer and have years of experience that have helped them craft their skills.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Conditions we treat
Type of cancerous brain tumors we treat include:
- Primary brain tumors (less common than secondary brain tumors)
- Secondary brain tumor (results from cancer elsewhere in the body)
Brain cancer treatments we offer
Depending on the location of the tumor, there can be many different symptoms of brain cancer. Some of these symptoms include:
- Changes in sensations, such as vision or smell
- Changes in ability to walk or perform daily activities
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle twitches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Personality or memory changes
- Sleep problems
Our specialists will assess these symptoms along with your unique medical history to determine your treatment. They may recommend either of the following treatments for brain cancer:
Surgical tumor removal
If the tumor, or a majority of the tumor, is in a location within the brain in which it can be removed with little disruption to the surrounding tissue, your doctor may recommend a traditional surgical tumor removal. During this procedure, the surgeon will create an opening in the skull to remove the tumor from the brain.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
In some cases, the tumor may not be able to be removed with traditional surgical methods. In these cases, your doctor may recommend stereotactic radiosurgery — an advanced type of radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery is often referred to as “knifeless” brain surgery and can provide a treatment option for formerly inoperable tumors.
Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers doses of targeted radiation to treat brain tumors and other neurological diseases with minimal damage to normal brain tissue. The goal of the procedure is to use the radiation to shrink or fully eradicate the tumor.
Benefits of stereotactic radiosurgery
As an advanced neurological procedure, stereotactic radiosurgery can offer many benefits to patients. These can include a shorter hospital stay, less pain and side affects, a lower chance of postoperative complications and a faster return to your normal lifestyle.
Our brain cancer specialists
A complex cancer requires a specialist who is experienced and able to create complex solutions. At HCA Florida Physicians, we offer access to neuro-oncologists who have years of experience diagnosing and effectively treating brain cancer.
Additionally, as a part of HCA Florida Healthcare — a collaborative healthcare network that spans across Florida — our oncologists can connect with other highly trained specialists in your area, should they need it.
With our doctors, one thing is for certain, everyone involved in your care is dedicated to the same thing — helping you heal.