Brain Tumor Clinic
Very few things are more frightening than to be told you or your loved one has a brain tumor. However, there are more than 100 types of brain tumors, and treatment options depend not only on the type but also size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and health. What's important is for you to receive all the pertinent information related to your particular type of tumor, and to feel confident you are receiving the most skilled care possible.
Why Choose the INI?
The Illinois Neurological Institute Brain Tumor Clinic is a joint effort between the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and the departments of Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neuropathology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and the Department of Basic Science at the University of Illinois Medical College at Peoria. Specialists from each department work as a team to evaluate patients and provide them with state-of-the-art, comprehensive, individualized care. Our experts also work to advance the treatment of brain tumors via clinical trials and science research, sharing their knowledge with the medical community in published works and at national m
edical conferences.
The INI has many services and technologies available, including:
- MRI and MR spectroscopy
- PET scanning
- Intraoperative guidance center
- Intraoperative neuropathology
- Clinical trials for chemotherapy
- Gamma Knife radiosurgery
- IMRT
- CyberKnife
- Trilogy
What To Expect
Typically, once a brain tumor is discovered, a high-quality MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan) is taken. The MRI allows the neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon to diagnose the type of brain tumor you have. Sometimes, if it appears the tumor is small, benign and causing no symptoms, it may not not need any treatment other than monitoring. Other times the best treatment may be focused radiation, or Gamma Knife treatment.
In many cases the tumor will require a biopsy and/or must be removed. A neuropathologist will be available at the time of biopsy to assist the neurosurgeon in deciding what the best surgical options will be.
You can rest assured our team of experts will explore the options available with you and recommend those that will provide the highest quality of life and best long-term outlook.
