Conditions We Treat

When you come to the Stanford Brain Tumor Center, you are in the hands of brain tumor experts. Our specialists have expertise and fellowship training in a wide range of neurology and brain cancer specialties such as neuroradiology, neuropathology and medical oncology.

Our brain tumor experts treat all types of cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) brain tumors, including:

• Metastatic brain tumors: Cancer cells that start in another part of the body and spread (metastasize) to the brain
• Primary brain tumors: Abnormal cells that begin growing in the brain and can be benign or malignant
• Meningiomas: A type of primary brain tumor, usually benign, that develops in the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord)
• Pituitary tumors: A type of primary brain tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, which controls hormone production in many other glands and organs, and can be benign or malignant
• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas): Another, usually benign, type of primary brain tumor that grows within the sheaths of certain types of nerves, specifically the nerve that connects the ear to the brain
• Spinal tumors: Abnormal cells that grow in or around the spinal cord and can be benign or malignant, primary or metastatic

The prognosis and long-term survival for people with brain tumors can vary greatly from person to person. For the best possible outcome, it’s important that you receive prompt medical attention, aggressive therapy and ongoing follow-up care.