A brain tumor diagnosis brings on lots of questions. You're anxious and want guidance on what to do next. When you choose UVA for brain tumor treatment, you get expert care from a deeply experienced team that understands your challenges. We don't just treat your brain tumor. We care for you as a whole person.
Along with expert surgeons and oncologists, your care team includes experienced nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and more. You'll have access to clinical trials and a team of neuro-oncologists who focus only on brain tumors.
Brain Tumor Treatment at UVA
Brain tumors account for only 1-2% of all cancer. That means most oncologists have little experience treating and managing it. But our neuro-oncologists only see patients with brain tumors. They're up to date on standard and experimental treatment options.
Brain Tumors That Aren't Cancer
Not all brain tumors are cancer. Benign brain tumors, including pituitary tumors, still require experienced care. Learn about your options for benign brain tumor treatment.
Brain Tumor Treatment Options
Personalized Therapies
We don't just treat your tumor. We find the best treatment method for your specific tumor.
We do this with molecular cytogenetics. This scientific method shows which of your cells are normal and which are cancer-causing at a very precise level. We can then tell which brain tumors will respond best to chemotherapy, gene therapy, or other therapies.
Safer Tumor Removal
We have high-tech tools that help us surgically remove difficult, hard-to-get tumors with accuracy and less risk. These include:
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A GPS-like system that maps the safest, best route to the tumor in your brain
- Brain scans in a special operating room that result in fast, accurate neurosurgery
Tumor Removal Without Surgery
Effective, proven, and safe, these powerful treatments can treat your brain tumor fast and without surgery:
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Focused, painless radiation with Gamma Knife
- Electrodes that stop tumor growth with Optune
Brain Tumors We Treat
- Astrocytomas
- Brain metastases
- Brain stem gliomas
- Chordoma
- Ependymomas
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
- Hemangioblastomas
- Mixed glioma
- Optic nerve gliomas
- Primary CNS lymphoma
- Primitive neuroectodermal (PNET)
- Subependymoma
Life-Saving Care for Brain Tumor Patients
Debbie came to UVA for a chance to live — and to have the baby she’d always wanted. Watch her talk about her experience as a brain tumor patient. View brain tumor transcript.
It's common to seek a second opinion for a serious illness, especially if:
- You've just been diagnosed
- Your condition or diagnosis has changed
- You face a new treatment plan or surgery
Learn about getting a second opinion.
