 |  |  |  |
The Los Angeles
Neurosurgical Institute
Neurosurgical Institute
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Brain Tumor Program at the LANSI
The Comprehensive Brain Tumor Program at the Los Angeles Neurosurgical Institute is
a vital resource for individuals with brain tumors and intractable pain.
At the Program for Neurofunctional Surgery, specialists blend scientific and clinical knowledge
and technology to treat the specific challenges of illness that has not responded to other
approaches.
Because the nature of brain tumors (link to Neurology section on brain tumors) and chronic pain
is so unique, each patient receives an individually tailored treatment plan. In addition, the SIGN
Program provides a holistic approach to patient care, addressing the social and emotional
problems that can accompany a chronic illness.
Brain Tumors can be classified as either primary or metastatic .
Primary tumors arise from the brain itself and can be benign or malignant. A benign tumor can
be life threatening when growing near vital structures like the carotid artery or brainstem for
example.
Gliomas represent more than 50% of all primary brain tumors, making them the most common
primary brain tumors while Meningiomas and Pituitary tumors together represent 33% of all
primary brain tumors.
Gliomas are graded according to their pathological appearance and this classification helps with
treatment planning and predicts outcome.
Grade I tumors are the least malignant, grow slowly and are associated with long-term survival.
Grade II tumors are slow growing, but can sometimes invade adjacent normal tissue and recur.
Grade III tumors are malignant. These tumors can recur and are actively infiltrating surrounding
brain tissue.
Grade IV tumors tumors are highly malignant. They grow quickly and infiltrate widely adjacent
brain tissue.
Frameless Stereotactic neurosurgery is a means of navigating to any point within the brain. This
is aided by imaging techniques (CT and MRI) that can display at the same time external
reference landmarks and internal brain structures.
Before stereotaxis was developed, it was necessary to expose the brain through a large opening in
the skull. The surgeon had to see landmarks on the surface of the brain to plan a route to a brain
lesion or target. This “open” surgery was associated with more complications such as bleeding or
brain swelling. In addition, even the most experienced brain surgeon could become lost trying to
reach a deep brain target.
Recent advances have resulted in sophisticated stereotactic surgical systems. Using "real-time"
image-guidance systems to provide brain-mapping data, surgeons at the LANSI do intracranial
microsurgical procedures with minimum risk and improved outcomes.
At the LANSI Brain Tumor Program, patients with benign or malignant brain tumors who have
seizures or progressive neurological deficits are offered a multiple-pronged approach including:
a vital resource for individuals with brain tumors and intractable pain.
At the Program for Neurofunctional Surgery, specialists blend scientific and clinical knowledge
and technology to treat the specific challenges of illness that has not responded to other
approaches.
Because the nature of brain tumors (link to Neurology section on brain tumors) and chronic pain
is so unique, each patient receives an individually tailored treatment plan. In addition, the SIGN
Program provides a holistic approach to patient care, addressing the social and emotional
problems that can accompany a chronic illness.
Brain Tumors can be classified as either primary or metastatic .
Primary tumors arise from the brain itself and can be benign or malignant. A benign tumor can
be life threatening when growing near vital structures like the carotid artery or brainstem for
example.
Gliomas represent more than 50% of all primary brain tumors, making them the most common
primary brain tumors while Meningiomas and Pituitary tumors together represent 33% of all
primary brain tumors.
Gliomas are graded according to their pathological appearance and this classification helps with
treatment planning and predicts outcome.
Grade I tumors are the least malignant, grow slowly and are associated with long-term survival.
Grade II tumors are slow growing, but can sometimes invade adjacent normal tissue and recur.
Grade III tumors are malignant. These tumors can recur and are actively infiltrating surrounding
brain tissue.
Grade IV tumors tumors are highly malignant. They grow quickly and infiltrate widely adjacent
brain tissue.
- The Procedure
Frameless Stereotactic neurosurgery is a means of navigating to any point within the brain. This
is aided by imaging techniques (CT and MRI) that can display at the same time external
reference landmarks and internal brain structures.
Before stereotaxis was developed, it was necessary to expose the brain through a large opening in
the skull. The surgeon had to see landmarks on the surface of the brain to plan a route to a brain
lesion or target. This “open” surgery was associated with more complications such as bleeding or
brain swelling. In addition, even the most experienced brain surgeon could become lost trying to
reach a deep brain target.
Recent advances have resulted in sophisticated stereotactic surgical systems. Using "real-time"
image-guidance systems to provide brain-mapping data, surgeons at the LANSI do intracranial
microsurgical procedures with minimum risk and improved outcomes.
At the LANSI Brain Tumor Program, patients with benign or malignant brain tumors who have
seizures or progressive neurological deficits are offered a multiple-pronged approach including:
- Intraoperative brain monitoring
- Stereotactic microsurgical removal of the brain tumor.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery, which delivers a high dose of radiation to a precise target within
the brain. This noninvasive process removes intracranial lesions safely and effectively.
This approach has proven effective in treating small tumors and is rapidly emergeing as a
standard of care for many of them. It can also be used with stereotactic microneurosurgery.
Ph: 310.659.6633 or 800-496-4544 | Fax: 310.659.6631| Email info@lansi.org | Web Site by Bemol Design |
