Radiation Oncology
At Main Line Health, our expert radiation oncologists use the latest technology to give you powerful, precise treatment.
Brain Cancer
What is brain cancer?
Brain cancer is a malignant cell growth in the brain. The cancer can be primary (75 percent), meaning that it started in the brain, or secondary (25 percent), meaning that it spread from another part of the body to the brain. About 40 percent of brain cancers start from glial cells and are named gliomas. Gliomas include astrocytomas, glioblastomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and medulloblastomas. The most common secondary cancers spread from cancers of the breast, lung, kidney, colon, and skin (melanoma).
Primary brain tumors can affect anyone but are more common in children younger than 15 and in middle-aged adults. Secondary brain tumors are more common in adults.
Brain cancer cannot be prevented. Most primary brain tumors, if found early, can be cured.
Treatments
Primary brain tumors are usually removed. Depending on the tumor type and location, surgery gives the best chance for a cure if the whole tumor can be removed. Surgery also allows diagnosis of the type of cancer and relieves pressure in the brain.
Radiation therapy, another treatment method, is performed by specialists (radiation oncologists) and is usually used for tumors that cannot be removed (or removed completely), or after surgery for any brain cancer.
Chemotherapy is not often used for primary brain tumors.
An antiseizure medicine is often used before and after surgery. For swelling in the brain, the health care provider may prescribe an anti-inflammatory steroid (dexamethasone).
External Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves or particles to destroy cancer cells. New technology allows doctors to focus radiation on very small and specific areas, which kills unhealthy cells and leaves healthy cells unharmed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation treatments may be standalone or in combination with cancer surgery and chemotherapy. It may also be used to relieve symptoms of cancer.
Hematology and Blood Disorders
Whether you are fighting cancer or managing a blood disorder, the hematologists and oncologists at Main Line Health offer the comprehensive care you need.
Cancer Survivorship Services
With advances in medicine, millions of people are living with cancer than ever before. For that reason, we established The Survivorship Program—a program designed to help patients transition to life following treatment, by alleviating some of their common concerns.
Cancer Care
From diagnosis and throughout treatment, Main Line Health cancer specialists (oncologists) provide compassionate care for you and your loved ones through all stages of cancer treatment.