Tumor neurosurgery

The HUG Neurosurgery Department specializes in tumor neurosurgery and surgically treats all types of brain tumors. These tumors are masses resulting from the disorganized proliferation of a cell in the human body.

Our multidisciplinary team works closely with the Neuro-Oncology Division to provide patients with personalized and effective care.

There are different types of brain tumors, such as :

• gliomas : astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastomas, etc.
• nerve sheath tumors : schwannomas
• tumors of the meninges : meningiomas
• and lymphomas.

In some cases, there may be tumors from another part of the body that have migrated to the brain (metastases).

Some tumors are asymptomatic and are discovered during an imaging test. Others are diagnosed because of the appearance of symptoms, and the most common include :

• epileptic seizures
• cranial nerve damage (progressive deafness, balance disorder, impaired vision),
• weakness of a limb
• loss of limb sensitivity
• difficulty speaking
• behavioral changes
• severe nausea and vomiting
• or headaches.

In the case of an intracranial tumor, an assessment is carried out with the support of the Neuro-oncology Division in order to choose the best treatment strategy (CT, MRI, PET-CT, spectroscopy, etc.).

In some cases, radiological monitoring is offered a few months later. In other cases, surgery is needed to limit growth of the lesion. The use of pre-operative mapping and electrophysiological monitoring during surgery minimizes the risk of postoperative consequences.