Our practice takes a multidisciplinary approach in conjunction with Northern Westchester Hospital and Westchester Medical Center. Dr. Abrahams treats a number of brain tumors through surgery but also using the Gamma Knife Surgical Unit. The Gamma Knife can be used to treat Meningiomas, Metastatic Tumors, Acoustic Neuromas as well as a number of other tumor types. When possible, Gamma Knife is an effective option for patients who cannot tolerate surgery. In fact, some tumors are better treated and controlled with Gamma Knife when compared to surgical resection.
Brain Tumors and Gamma Knife Surgery
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are divided into many classifications. Primary brain tumors refer to tumors that originate in the brain, and metastatic tumors are tumors that originate elsewhere in the body and travel through the bloodstream to the brain. The total treatment of brain tumors is a team effort that involves the neurosurgeon, the medical oncologist, the radiation oncologist, their staffs, as well as the patient and family. New treatments are being developed rapidly and the prognosis for patients with brain tumors is brighter than it ever was in the past.
Cranial Base Tumors
Also knows as “skull base tumors,” these types of tumors are located on the underside of the brain at the base of the skull and the upper vertebrae of the spine. Because of their location, cranial base tumors are some of the most complex and technically demanding, requiring the expertise of highly skilled neurosurgeons combined with advanced diagnostic technology. In addition, our program is one of the few in the nation that treats both benign and malignant cranial base tumors.
Pituitary Tumors
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Often called the “master gland” of the body, the pituitary is part of the endocrine system and helps control the release of hormones from other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, sex glands (testes or ovaries), and adrenal glands. The pituitary also releases hormones that directly affect body tissues, such as bones and breast milk glands. The majority of pituitary tumors can be resected through the nasal cavity with the assistance of an endoscope without an incision.
Acoustic Neuromas
An acoustic neuroma – also known as a vestibular schwannoma – is a slow-growing, benign tumor located on the vestibular cochlear nerve, which is the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The vestibular cochlear nerve is located behind the ear, right under the brain. Although an acoustic neuroma is benign, it can damage several important nerves as it grows and should be removed.