Brain Tumor Treatments

Houston Methodist neurosurgeons are highly skilled in using advanced imaging and brain-mapping technology, which have revolutionized the way they remove tumors that otherwise could not be reached. We use the least-invasive approaches that promise the best treatment outcomes. Many times, a minimally invasive technique requires small incisions and minimal bone removal, resulting in less blood loss and scarring and requiring little brain and structural manipulation.

Our doctors specialize in using technology that combines brain imaging, GPS-like navigation and high-definition optics for surgical precision. Houston Methodist’s imaging technology is so advanced our neurosurgeons can see individual brain fibers and fiber tracks, allowing them to plot safe paths through the brain to reach tumors without causing damage.

Before surgery, neurosurgeons study a patient’s brain images to plan the safest route to the tumor. The imaging captures real-time activity as the brain responds to stimuli, while mapping technology identifies the brain's critical functions, including speech and language, sensation vision and motor functions, so neurosurgeons can avoid those areas.

Our virtual reality technology connects real-time imaging to computers, which reconstruct the brain in three dimensions and display the fiber tracks. This technology greatly improves our precision to 1 mm, or one-twenty-fifth of an inch, revolutionizing the field. It also allows our doctors to perform surgery without lifting or moving brain structures.

Treatment and Procedures

• Surgery

         – Image-guided surgery 
         – Craniectomy
         – Craniotomy
         – Supraorbital (eyebrow) approach
         – Retrosigmoid (keyhole) surgery 
         – Endoscopies

• High-Frequency Ultrasound
• Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiation therapy 
• Intra-arterial superselective chemotherapy and chemotherapy 
• Optune