Brain Tumor

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center offers innovative and effective treatments for benign and malignant brain tumors at the Brain Tumor Treatment Center.

Diagnosing Brain Tumors

Using sophisticated imaging technology that provides crisp, clear images of the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system, Conemaugh Health System physicians can determine the size and location of a brain tumor through MRIs, CT scans, and Positron Emission Tests (PET).

Pre-Surgical Testing

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, patients may be asked to complete additional tests that can help surgeons create a roadmap of the brain to utilize in surgery.

Treatment Options

Image-guided neurosurgery and neuroendoscopy are the primary methods used for minimally invasive brain procedures, allowing the surgical team to pinpoint a lesion or tumor and its relationship to vascular structures or veins. Removing the lesion or tumor while keeping vascular structures intact significantly reduces complications and speeds the recovery process.

Tumor Fighting Therapies

Gliadel Wafer®

The Gliadel Wafer® can be used to treat certain brain tumors. Up to eight dime-sized wafers are placed at the site after the surgeon removes the tumor. The wafers dissolve over time, sending essential chemotherapy right to the tumor site. Unlike many IV-based chemotherapies, the Gliadel Wafer can cross the blood-brain barrier to reach and treat the tumor. In addition, Gliadel does not have the side effects often associated with IV-based chemotherapy treatments.

Gliasite Radiation Therapy System®

This internal radiation device is implanted at the tumor site during surgery, after the tumor has been removed. A balloon catheter is placed inside the space left by the tumor and later filled with liquid radiation. Through the catheter, the radiation reaches to the edges of the tumor cavity, targeting cancer cells that may remain. Radiation stays in the catheter for up to seven days until an appropriate dose of radiation is delivered to the site. Afterward, the liquid is removed from the catheter and the catheter is removed during a brief procedure.

Medical and Radiation Oncology

Comprehensive and patient-focused chemotherapy services are available through the Conemaugh Cancer Care Center.