Brain Tumor Surgery

About Us

A brain tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Brain Tumor Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, world-renowned neurosurgeons provide advanced care for all types of brain tumors. Every year, we serve hundreds of adults and children from New York City and across the globe, offering hope, expertise and cutting-edge treatment options.

Signs You May Need Brain Tumor Surgery

A brain tumor occurs when cells multiply and grow abnormally in any area of the brain. As these tumors grow, they affect brain function. Brain tumor surgery is often the first step in treatment. In some cases, surgery is so successful that it’s the only treatment necessary. Cancerous tumors may require additional treatment, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Recognizing Brain Tumor Symptoms

Brain tumor symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor and include the sudden or gradual onset of the following:

• Abnormal eye movements 
• Balance difficulties
• Confusion or feeling disoriented
• Dizziness
• Fatigue 
• Headaches
• Loss of smell or hearing, or other sensory changes
• Memory loss
• Personality or behavior changes
• Nausea or vomiting with no known cause
• Seizures
• Slurred speech

The symptoms above don’t always indicate a brain tumor. Many conditions cause these same symptoms. To ensure accuracy, you’ll undergo extensive testing prior to brain tumor surgery. This allows us to identify the root cause of your problems, enabling us to determine the appropriate treatment.

Types of Brain Tumors We Treat

Weill Cornell Medicine neurosurgeons are experts in identifying and treating all types of brain tumors. Primary brain tumors begin in the brain and may be cancerous or benign. Metastatic tumors are cancerous growths that originate in other parts of the body and spread to the brain over time. 

Brain tumors we treat include:

• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas). These benign tumors affect the nerves responsible for hearing and balance. Treatment options include observation, stereotactic radiosurgery and microsurgical removal. Regardless of the treatment approach, our goal is to preserve hearing and facial nerve function.
• Craniopharyngiomas. These are rare tumors that arise near the pituitary gland and primarily affect children ages 5 to 14. Our neurosurgeons collaborate to provide specialized care that preserves neurological function and quality of life.
• Gliomas. The most common primary brain tumor, gliomas start in glial cells, which support nerve cells and come in many forms. Our expert neurosurgery specialists treat all gliomas, including glioblastoma, astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma. We offer advanced surgical techniques, targeted therapies and cutting-edge brain tumor clinical trials.
• Meningiomas. These develop inside the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most are benign, and our expert surgical team treats these tumors with minimally invasive approaches, stereotactic radiosurgery and complex skull base tumor surgery.
• Metastatic brain tumors. When cancer spreads to the brain from other body parts, our multidisciplinary team coordinates with medical oncologists. Together, these teammates provide comprehensive treatment, including surgery, radiosurgery and systemic therapies.
• Pituitary tumors. Pituitary tumors can affect hormone production and vision. Our skull base surgery experts use minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to remove tumors. These procedures take place through the nostrils. This reduces hospital stays and recovery time, while helping to preserve pituitary function and protect surrounding critical structures.
• Primary CNS lymphoma. This rare brain cancer requires specialized treatment combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Our team provides comprehensive care and access to clinical trials for these tumors.

Our Care Team

Detecting and treating brain tumors requires a multidisciplinary team. At Weill Cornell Medicine, radiologists, oncologists, nurses and many other specialists are there for you during your care journey. They collaborate with neurosurgeons to develop an appropriate treatment that helps you move toward improved quality of life.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine

To provide the highest quality brain tumor surgery experience, Weill Cornell Medicine neurosurgeons offer advanced care for the whole person. Here are a few reasons to choose Weill Cornell Medicine for brain tumor surgery.

Comprehensive Support Services

We provide extensive support services that address all aspects of brain tumor care and recovery. From neuropsychology and social work to nutrition counseling and rehabilitation services and beyond, we work to protect and improve your overall health.

Family-Centered Care

A brain tumor diagnosis affects the entire family. To empower you and your loved ones, we include family members and caregivers as partners in the care process.

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

Our comprehensive program brings together neurosurgery specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine, along with neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuropsychologists and other specialists. Together, we develop treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and tumor characteristics.

Research and Innovation

Our physicians are actively involved in brain tumor research. Their ongoing efforts contribute to advances in surgical techniques, treatment protocols and understanding tumor biology. By participating in clinical trials, we can provide access to novel therapies that are currently available only at select locations in the United States and around the world.

State-of-the-Art Technology

We utilize the most advanced surgical equipment in brain tumor surgery. Depending on your needs, we may use high-field intraoperative MRI, real-time navigation systems and specialized microscopes. These advances provide unparalleled precision during complex procedures.

World-Class Expertise

Neurosurgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are nationally and internationally recognized experts in brain tumor surgery. We regularly treat the most complex cases from around the world.