Brain cancer

Comprehensive brain tumor care in Wichita, Kansas

For more information about brain cancer care at Wesley Healthcare, please call (316) 962-6100.

Brain tumors are abnormal growths in the tissues inside the skull. Brain tumors may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Even if a brain tumor is not cancerous, it can put pressure on brain tissue, which can threaten your health and life.

Brain tumor symptoms

Signs of a brain tumor include:

• Headaches, often in the morning
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision or hearing problems
• Behavior or mood changes
• Unclear thinking or memory problems
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Problems hearing or speaking
• Feeling week or sleepy

Brain cancer diagnosis

A brain tumor diagnosis is given after physical and neurological examinations. Lab tests and imaging tools help our doctors confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the location of the tumor.

Doctors will need to examine a sample of the tumor, called a biopsy, to determine if the tumor is cancerous. The biopsy can often be taken with a needle instead of open surgery.

Brain tumor treatment

Treatment for brain cancer is complex and requires a team of specialists with extensive knowledge of neuro-oncology. Your team may include specialists from neurology and neurosurgery, endocrinology, rehabilitation and medical and radiation oncology, as well as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse psychologists and social workers.

You will likely need surgery if your tumor can be safely removed. Modern surgical techniques can remove tumors that would have been considered inoperable in the past. Our neurosurgeons are highly experienced and use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to remove tumors.

Treatment may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy (using medicine that attacks cancer cells without harming other cells).

Neurological rehabilitation

After brain tumor treatment, some patients require neurological rehabilitation to regain motor skills and restore neurological health. If you need therapy and rehab services after treatment, rest assured you will receive comprehensive support in our rehabilitation center.