Brain Tumor Services

There are 120 different types of benign and malignant tumors that can affect the brain. The possibility of any kind of a tumor is understandably frightening. However, new technologies, medications and procedures developed to eliminate these growths are greatly improving patient outcomes. UC Irvine Medical Center is equipped with leading-edge diagnostic and treatment resources that offer patients the best therapies available.

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Team approach

Named as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report® for the specialty of Cancer in 2006, UC Irvine Medical Center treats both adult and pediatric patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. In addition to skilled neurosurgeons, our interdisciplinary team includes specialists in neuro-oncology, neuroradiology, neuro-opthalmology, radiation oncology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) psychology, rehabilitation and social work.

Treatment services for patients with malignant tumors are provided at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only 39 National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, and the only one in Orange County.

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Advanced surgical technologies

Treating brain tumors can involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or all three.  Patients undergoing surgery at UC Irvine Medical Center benefit from our advanced systems, including:

• Cyberknife™ and Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery. High doses of radiation are precisely targeted to destroy tumors and other problematic structures with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. No surgical incision is needed. Stereotactic refers to a precise positioning of the target in three-dimensional space.
• Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI). This state-of-the-art procedure gives surgeons detailed, three-dimensional images of the brain in real time during an operation. Because brain tissue shifts once the skull is opened, tumors and other target structures can move during surgery, compromising accuracy.  iMRI increases surgical precision, reduces the need for follow-up surgeries, minimizes complications and potentially shortens recovery time. UC Irvine Medical Center was the first in Orange and San Diego counties to offer this technology.

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