Brain tumors are characterized by abnormal cell growth in or around your brain. A mass can be small or large and can either be a benign tumor (noncancerous) or a malignant tumor (cancerous).

Each year, more than 90,000 Americans will face the life-changing diagnosis of a brain tumor. At the forefront of treating this condition is UF Health, which performs approximately 600 brain tumor operations annually, making it one of the highest-volume academic medical centers in the country.

Our distinguished researchers and their teams collaborate daily with physicians who have dedicated their careers to finding a cure for brain cancer. Together, they use the latest molecular, biological, medical and surgical techniques to understand the fundamental causes of brain tumors and develop new treatment methods.

UF Health: Pioneers for brain tumor treatments and therapies

Watch how Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, and his team at the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy at the University of Florida have developed one of the most comprehensive clinical and research centers for advancing brain tumor treatment and discovering novel approaches.

Types of brain tumors

There are more than 120 different types, and they can be classified in many ways, one of which is based on their origin and behavior:

• Primary brain tumor: Originates within the brain. Examples include a glioma, meningioma or pituitary adenoma.
• Metastatic brain tumor: Spreads to the brain from other parts of the body. The most common forms of brain metastases are lung cancer, breast cancer and melanoma.

They can also be classified by histology:

• Glioma: Arises from glial cells, which support and protect neurons. Examples include:
  • Astrocytoma
  • Ependymoma
  • Glioblastoma
  • Oligodendroglioma
• Medulloblastoma: Aggressive tumor that commonly occurs in children
• Meningioma: Grows from the protective membranes (meninges) covering the brain
• Pituitary adenoma: Emerges from the pituitary gland, often causing hormonal imbalances depending on the cell type involved
• Schwannoma: Benign tumor that originates from Schwann cells, which insulate nerves

Each type presents unique challenges and requires specialized treatment approaches.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor's size, location, and growth rate. Common warning signs include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Difficulty thinking, speaking, or finding words
• Changes in personality or behavior
• Weakness, numbness, or loss of movement in one part or one side of the body
• Difficulty with balance or dizziness
• Sensory changes like difficulty hearing, difficulty seeing, or loss of smell
• Memory loss
• Confusion in everyday matters or disorientation
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or muscle weakness

If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of most brain tumors remains unknown. However, certain factors may increase risk:

• Genetic predisposition: Family history of brain tumors
• Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the head
• Age: Some tumors are more common in children, while others occur more frequently in adults
• Cell phones: While some studies in the past have suggested a possible link between cell phone use and increased risk of certain brain tumors, the findings have been inconsistent. Extensive research has not shown categorical proof of this connection. Future research will be needed to determine an increased risk for malignant or benign tumors

Understanding these factors aids in assessing individual risk profiles.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment planning. At UF Health, our specialists employ advanced diagnostic tools, including:

• Neurological examinations: To assess reflexes, coordination and sensory functions
• Imaging studies: To visualize tumor location and size using an MRI and CT scan
• Biopsy: To obtain a tissue sample for histological analysis

These methods ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each case.

Treatment options

Our treatment strategies are tailored to the individual's specific tumor type and overall health. UF Health’s care options include:

• Surgery: Removing as much of the tumor as possible
• Chemotherapy: Employing drugs to kill or inhibit cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer
• Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT): Heating and destroying targeted brain tissue using a laser probe as part of a minimally invasive brain surgery
• Optune therapy: Using low-intensity electrical fields to disrupt the division of cancer cells as part of a noninvasive treatment for glioblastoma multiforme
• Radiosurgery: Delivering a large dose of radiation to tumor cells through hundreds of focused radiation beams while sparing normal brain tissue around it

Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to develop personalized treatment plans, ensuring optimal outcomes. For patients, here’s what to expect when you visit UF Health.

Why choose UF Health?

UF Health Shands Hospital is nationally recognized for excellence in neurology and neurosurgery, with U.S. News & World Report ranking us among the top hospitals in the country in this field. More specifically, our commitment to leading-edge research, the latest technology and compassionate care makes us leaders in brain tumor treatment.

However, those are just some of the many ways UF Health stands out when it comes to brain tumor treatment:

• World-renowned for expertise in neuroanatomy, microsurgery and skull base surgery
• Expertise in endoscopic and other minimally invasive surgical techniques
• UF-patented technology for computer-assisted brain tumor surgery and radiosurgery
• Pediatric tumor expertise
• Complex spine tumor experience

Support services

We understand the emotional and psychological impact of a brain tumor diagnosis. UF Health offers comprehensive support services, including counseling, support groups and rehabilitation programs, to assist patients and their families throughout the treatment journey.