Glioma: Glioma is a very broad term for a type of tumor that grows in the brain. Gliomas are also known as primary brain tumors and arise from different cell types in the brain. Another term that is used for gliomas is “astrocytoma” or “oligodendroglioma” depending on the cell type. There is a spectrum of gliomas from slow growing tumors to more rapidly growing, malignant tumors. Gliomas are commonly graded on a scale of 1 to 4. Grade 1 and 2 tumors tend to grow more slowly, while grades 3 to 4 are more aggressive, invasive tumors that may grow rapidly. These tumors are often difficult to treat because they infiltrate the normal brain.

At Vanderbilt, we take an interdisciplinary approach to treating patients with gliomas. Patients with gliomas may be eligible for one of several clinical trials. Clinical Trials

Cancers that spread from other parts of the body to the brain are called metastatic tumors. These are the most common type of brain cancer. As cancer patients live longer, more are developing metastatic brain tumors. Treatment options are varied and include surgery, radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy.

At Vanderbilt, patients with metastatic tumors are presented at our weekly Brain Tumor Board and an individualized treatment plan is developed. Patients with metastatic tumors may be eligible for one of several ongoing clinical trials in the VICC. Clinical Trials

Meningiomas: Meningiomas are tumors of the brain that grow from the covering of the brain. They can occur anywhere in the brain or spine and usually cause symptoms by pressing against the brain or spine. They are usually slow growing, benign tumors. Treatment of meningiomas can involve surgery, or radiosurgery. A small percentage of patients may have more rapidly growing meningiomas that are “malignant” or “atypical”. These tumors are very difficult to cure and the treatment is very specialized-somtimes requiring radiosurgery.

At Vanderbilt, patients with meningiomas are treated on an individualized basis. If the tumor is completely removed during surgery and is found to be benign, patients are followed with serial MRI scans in the Neurosurgery Clinic. Patients that require additional treatment with Radiosurgery are seen in consultation by the radiation oncologists and an individualized treatment plan is developed.

Acoustic neuroma: This type of tumor arises from the hearing and balance nerve at the base of the brain. They are usually slow growing and are typically benign. The treatment of these tumors is very specialized and often requires a team of "skull base" surgeons - including neurosurgeons and neuro-otologists to remove them safely.

At Vanderbilt, all patients with acoustic neuromas are seen in consultation by members of the skull base team before surgery to develop an individualized treatment plan. Occasionally, patients with acoustic neuromas will require radiosurgery and patients are seen in consultation by a member of the radiosurgery team in Radiation Oncology.

Ependymoma: These tumors grow from cells that line the ventricles (fluid filled spaces) in the brain and may also occur in the spine. Like other types of brain tumors, they may be slow or rapidly growing. The treatment is usually surgical removal with or without radiation.

Pituitary tumors: These tumors occur in the region of the pituitary gland. Because of their location, they may cause symptoms such as visual loss. They may also affect endocrine or gland function. The treatment of pituitary tumors is very specialized and many physicians of different specialties are involved such as endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, ear, nose and throat surgeons, and ophthalmologists. Pituitary Center

Craniopharyngioma: These tumors can occur in the region of the pituitary gland and can grow to put pressure on the optic nerves. Patients may have loss of vision or endocrine problems. They can occur in children as well as adults. The treatment is very specialized and usually involves surgery with or without radiation.

At Vanderbilt, patients with craniopharyngioma are treated in an interdisciplinary fashion – with care coordinated to assure communication between the members of the different medical sub-specialties.