Tumor and Lesion Treatment

The unique challenges posed by tumors and lesions of the brain or spine typically make surgical intervention an important consideration. At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, our approach to surgical interventions is guided by precision and compassion, ensuring you receive the highest quality care. 

Our neurosurgeons’ collective proficiency with years of specialized training and hands-on experience brings unrivaled expertise to patients at Haynes Neurosurgical Group. Our experts combine their technical skills with a deep understanding of the human aspect of neurological care.

A tumor is an abnormal tissue mass that can grow in the brain or spine, exerting pressure on surrounding structures and blocking regular neural function. Lesions, on the other hand, include a broader category of abnormalities that can include injuries, infections, or pathological changes in tissue. 

A brain tumor is a type of brain lesion. Both tumors and lesions need a nuanced understanding and a tailored approach to treatment. 

Brain lesions are similar to the aftermath of a stroke in their impact on the brain and can induce symptoms such as weakness, sensory disturbances, and confusion. In the brain, where communication is crucial, lesions can disrupt the flow of electrical and chemical signals within the affected brain area(s). 

Understanding the impact of lesions requires a close understanding of the distinct regions of the brain and the specific processes and functions they govern. Our skilled neurosurgeons study your symptoms as clues to pinpoint the affected area within your brain, paving the way for a tailored approach to care.

Our team is equipped to manage a spectrum of conditions, including brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, cysts, and various lesions. Our patient-centered approach means that we are focused on offering specialized care tailored to the unique characteristics of each case.

Advanced diagnostic tools and techniques we use include specialized imaging technologies, such as MRIs, CT scans, and angiograms (to visualize blood vessels within the brain). They help us develop a targeted and informed treatment strategy so that every intervention is tailored to address the unique characteristics of your condition.

Surgical interventions, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies are all options that may be part of your treatment plan at Haynes Neurosurgical Group. 

Surgical options may include: 

• Lesion Resection: Precise removal of lesions to alleviate symptoms and improve overall function.
• Mass Resection: Surgical removal of tumor mass in the brain to address symptoms and improve quality of life, focusing on precision and optimal outcomes.
• Tumor Resection: Comprehensive removal of brain tumors, balancing precision while minimizing the impact on normal brain tissue, guided by experience and technology.
• Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (FGS): This technique uses fluorescent markers to enhance surgical precision, helping to identify and remove abnormal tissue.
• 5-Aminolevulenic Acid (5-ALA, Gleolan): This technique leverages aminolevulinic acid to aid in fluorescence-guided surgery, enhancing visibility and accuracy during tumor removal.

Our commitment to minimally invasive surgical techniques means we employ them whenever feasible. This can include procedures such as:

• Robotic Brain Surgery: Surgery that uses robotic systems for intricate brain surgeries, enhancing precision and allowing for smaller incisions and reduced recovery times.
• Microsurgery: Brain and spine surgery that uses microscopes for enhanced precision, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding tissues and promoting swift recovery.
• Awake Brain Mapping: Mapping brain function in real-time while the patient is awake, ensuring vital areas are preserved during surgery.
• Endoscopic Surgery: Employing endoscopes for visualization, this minimally invasive technique is suitable for various brain and spine procedures.
• Image-Guided Surgery: Preoperative imaging provides real-time guidance during surgery, enhancing accuracy and safety.
• Keyhole Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery through small incisions, reducing recovery times and promoting patient comfort.

Surgical Objectives

The objectives of brain surgery are multidimensional, aiming for optimal outcomes tailored to each patient's unique condition:

• Complete Resection: The removal (resection) of the brain tumor in its entirety is a pivotal step toward comprehensive treatment.
• Partial Removal for Symptom Relief: In cases where tumors are near sensitive areas, partial removal can help alleviate symptoms and enhance the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. Additionally, reducing intracranial pressure can improve cognitive function, speech, and vision.
• Biopsy: An integral component of surgery, a biopsy involves extracting a small tumor sample for microscopic examination. This diagnostic step helps identify accurate tumor type, malignancy, and grade assessment and guides the most appropriate treatment course.

The biggest challenge in tumor surgery is to achieve maximal tumor removal while minimizing damage to normal brain and spine tissue. This requires not just skill and experience but also access to advanced technology that seamlessly connects and enhances treatment precision. 

At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, you can rest assured that our neurosurgeons will navigate the complexities of tumor surgery with skill, advanced technology, and an unwavering dedication to your optimal health.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumor or lesion, we can help. Haynes Neurosurgical Group will be your trusted ally in navigating the complexities of your condition. 

Our seasoned neurosurgeons use highly advanced technologies and employ a patient-centric ethos at Alabama’s premiere neurosurgical practice.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call us at (205) 787-8676 or request an appointment online.