For Patients
Receiving the diagnosis of a brain tumor may be the most frightening news anyone can get. It's only natural to begin learning all one can about brain tumors - causes, symptoms, treatments. We hope you will find some answers at the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy.
Understanding diagnosis
After diagnosis, one of the first things people do is research tumors.
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells located in the brain, or arising from the coverings of the brain. Tumors are generally separated into two categories:1) primary brain tumors (those arriving within the head itself) or 2) metastatic tumors (tumors that spread from different areas of the body). If you know what type of tumor you or your loved one has, click below to read more about tumor types.
Our patients are often referred to us from other physicians because they have very complex cases. Other times, they may be referred to us so they can be screened for candidacy for one of our clinical trials. And, sometimes, patients discover us on their own. Regardless of how you arrive to the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, we are glad you are here.
What do we know about glioblastoma?
Tumor Grading
What is the difference between cancer grades and cancer stages?
Solid organ cancers like lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers are staged. Staging tells us about the degree of spread. But, since primary brain tumors rarely "spread" outside the brain and spinal cord, they are graded. Grading can tell us how aggressive the cancer is.
Grades range from one to four, one being less aggressive, four being most aggressive. Grade one tumors are commonly benign and curable through surgery. However, benign tumors can still be troublesome based on location and operability. Tumors with a grade of three or four are commonly referred to as malignant.
Grading assists in determining the prognosis for the patient and helps us determine treatment options, which might include:
- Surgery alone
- Surgery followed by radiation treatment
- Surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy
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Call (352) 273-6990 for a second opinion or for a medical evaluation.