Expert care, clear answers, and support you can trust
At Marshfield Clinic, you are not alone in your diagnosis. Our neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology specialists work together to diagnose, treat and support you, so you understand your options and can move forward with confidence.
Contact us for care
Call: (866) 520-2510 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Types of brain and CNS tumors we treat
Our multidisciplinary team evaluates your tumor type, location, and overall health to tailor the best plan for you. Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors can be primary (start in the brain) or metastatic (spread from another part of the body). Both benign and malignant tumors can cause serious symptoms and require expert care.
- Gliomas include astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma and glioblastoma
- Meningioma (often benign but may press on nearby brain tissue)
- Pituitary tumors and craniopharyngioma
- Schwannoma (including vestibular schwannoma/acoustic neuroma)
- Primary CNS lymphoma
- Metastatic brain tumors (from lung, breast, melanoma, colon, and kidney)
Risk factors
Most adult brain tumors have no known cause. A small portion are linked to:
- Certain inherited syndromes (e.g., neurofibromatosis, LiFraumeni, tuberous sclerosis)
- Previous ionizing radiation exposure
- Age: Some tumor types are more common in older adults; others occur more in younger people
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms vary by tumor type, size and location. See a clinician if symptoms persist or worsen:
- Headaches that get worse over time
- Seizures (new onset)
- Nausea or vomiting, especially with morning headaches
- Vision changes including blurred vision, seeing double or peripheral vision loss
- Loss of balance, unsteadiness, difficulty walking or dizziness
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Hearing problems including loss of hearing
- Problems with thinking and speech confusion, memory loss and speech difficulties
- Personality or behavior changes
Treatments
Your plan depends on the tumor type, grade, size, location, any spread within the CNS and your overall health. Care is coordinated by Marshfield Clinic specialists to provide the most effective, least invasive options possible.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first step for many brain tumors: to biopsy, remove as much tumor as safely possible, and relieve pressure. Procedures may include craniotomy, supported by advanced mapping and imaging to protect brain function. Some benign tumors may be cured with surgery alone.
Radiation therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy tumor cells and is commonly used after surgery, or as the primary treatment when surgery isn’t possible. Techniques include IMRT, external-beam radiation and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for precise, high-dose targeting.
Gamma Knife™ SRS (noninvasive)
A specialized form of SRS that focuses many small beams on the tumor to spare healthy tissue. It’s often used for small to medium tumors or lesions deep in the brain. Marshfield Clinic physicians have access to a Gamma Knife unit at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
Chemotherapy and supportive medicines
Chemotherapy may be used with surgery and/or radiation, especially for faster-growing tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) or recurrent disease. Options can be delivered orally, IV or locally depending on the case. Supportive medicines (steroids, antiseizure drugs) help control symptoms.
Targeted therapy
Some tumors benefit from targeted medicines based on tumor biomarkers which reduce a tumor’s blood supply to slow or stop growth and spread. Your care team will test and discuss whether targeted therapy is appropriate.
Other options
Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may also include Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), proton therapy (via referral), rehabilitation and integrated supportive care.
Patient Story
Memory issues and shortness of breath are more than just old age. John was diagnosed with a meningioma, a tumor in the lining of his brain. Watch his incredible story and how surgery got him back to doing what he loves.