Surgery is often one of the first steps in treating a brain tumor. The primary goal is to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, while protecting the surrounding healthy brain tissue. This delicate balance makes brain tumor surgery a highly specialized procedure—one best performed by an experienced neurosurgeon with expertise in brain tumors.
Seeking Expert Opinions
As a patient, you have every right to seek multiple opinions before moving forward with surgery. Consulting a second—or even third—neurosurgeon can help you better understand your diagnosis, clarify the recommended approach, and ensure you’re comfortable with the proposed plan. In fact, your current surgeon or even your insurance provider may encourage a second opinion. If you’re considering this, talk with your surgical team about the recommended timeframe and potential referrals.
Tip: Bring a trusted friend or loved one to your consultation, and download/print our appointment guide to help you prepare and keep track of important information.
The Purpose of Brain Tumor Surgery
Surgery plays a crucial role in both treatment and diagnosis. It is typically done for two main reasons:
- To remove as much of the tumor as possible
- To collect a tissue sample (biopsy) for an accurate diagnosis and tumor grading
Additional Benefits of Surgery
- Relieves symptoms caused by pressure the tumor is placing on the brain
- Reduces the amount of tumor that needs to be treated with radiation or chemotherapy
- Improves diagnostic clarity, helping the care team develop a more personalized treatment plan
Types of Brain Tumor Surgery
The most common surgical procedure for removing a brain tumor is a craniotomy, where a portion of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, other less invasive options may be available, such as:
- Laser microsurgery
- Ultrasound aspiration
- Stereotactic or open biopsy procedures
Your neurosurgeon will help determine which approach is safest and most effective for your specific case.
Before Surgery
In preparation for surgery, you may receive:
- Steroids to reduce brain swelling
- Anti-seizure medication to help prevent seizures before and after the operation
After Surgery: Recovery, Side Effects, and Risks
Brain surgery is a major operation and recovery can vary widely. Many patients spend time in the ICU immediately after surgery, followed by a hospital stay and sometimes rehabilitation to regain strength or relearn certain skills.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or tired. Give your body and mind the time they need to adjust.
Common Post-Surgery Experiences
- Temporary worsening of existing symptoms
- New symptoms, depending on the area of the brain that was affected
Be sure to communicate any new or changing symptoms to your healthcare team right away.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Every patient’s risks will differ depending on the tumor location, overall health, and complexity of the procedure. Below is a list of possible side effects to discuss with your doctor:
- Neurologic problems (speech, balance, vision, memory)
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Brain swelling
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
- Nerve damage
- Muscle paralysis or weakness
- Wound healing issues
Many of these risks can be minimized when your surgery is performed by a skilled, experienced neurosurgeon. Open communication with your care team can also help you feel more prepared and supported throughout the process.
Questions to Ask:
- Why is surgery needed?
- What are my alternatives to surgery?
- Are there other treatment options available based on my current medical condition?
- How many brain tumor patients with my tumor type do you treat each year?
- What other specialists will be a part of my healthcare team?
- What are the benefits of surgery?
- How long will the surgery last?
- What are the risks and possible complications of having the operation?
- What happens if I do not have the operation?
- Should I get a second opinion?
- What is your experience in doing this operation?
We recommend downloading these questions as part of our Patient Resource Guide and taking them with you to your appointments.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general education about brain tumor surgery and may not apply to every individual. Treatment plans and surgical decisions should always be made in consultation with your healthcare team, based on your unique diagnosis and medical history.