CONDITIONS TREATED

Neuro-oncology

Neuro-oncology is the area of medicine which specialises in the study and treatment of tumours of the central nervous system. It is a multi-disciplinary specialty, involving neurosurgeons, radiotherapists and oncologists (physicians who treat cancer).

Tumours fall into three groups:

• Benign
• Malignant
• Secondary

Tumours are traditionally categorised as benign if they grow very slowly and do not spread (metastasise) to other organs of the body. However, in relation to CNS tumours, the word "benign" is somewhat misleading. Although it may be composed of benign cells, a tumour located in a vital area can cause serious damage and may be life-threatening.

Malignant tumours grow rapidly and invade surrounding tissue. Some malignant brain tumours can spread to other parts of the brain or spine but only very rarely do they spread elsewhere in the body.

Cancer cells from other parts of the body (most commonly the lung, breast, kidney, colon or skin) can travel to the brain and grow into secondary tumours (metastases). Sometimes the patient is unaware of having the primary tumour until the brain tumour is diagnosed. Brain tumours are treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in a combination designed to provide the best outcome for each individual patient.