Why choose Loyola Medicine for brain tumor treatment

Loyola Medicine is a leader in brain tumor treatment in the Chicago area. Our nationally recognized neuro-oncology team is experienced in treating both benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) brain tumors. Loyola provides comprehensive brain tumor care designed to support you at every stage of treatment.

Comprehensive neurological care in the Chicago area

With advanced technology, minimally invasive treatments and access to innovative clinical trials, Loyola Medicine provides comprehensive care through a team of specialists — including neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and neuroradiologists. Our goal is not only to maintain your quality of life, but to help you thrive.

No matter the complexity or rarity of your condition, Loyola physicians have seen it all. Every type of benign and malignant brain tumor is treated by the comprehensive specialists at Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, including:

• Astrocytoma
• Choroid plexus papilloma
• Craniopharyngioma
• Ependymoma
• Glioblastoma
• Glioma
• Hemangioblastoma
• Meningioma
• Neurofibroma
• Oligodendroglial tumors
• Pineal tumors
• Primary brain tumors
• Primary CNS lymphoma
• Primary germ cell tumors of the brain 

Our neuro intensive care unit and Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center are staffed by compassionate certified technologists and highly experienced nurses, who have earned Magnet status.

Meet our brain tumor specialists

Loyola’s brain tumor specialists include experts in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery and radiation oncology who work together to provide advanced, personalized care. Our comprehensive team collaborates closely to treat complex brain tumors and deliver coordinated care for every patient. 

Brain tumor diagnosis and symptoms

There are numerous symptoms that can change depending on the location, size and type of tumor. Loyola’s experienced multidisciplinary team works together to evaluate and expertly diagnose your symptoms, such as:

• Bowel or bladder problems
• Changes in ability to think and learn
• Difficulty with memory
• Double or blurred vision
• Facial weakness
• Fatigue
• Persistent headaches
• Hearing loss
• Mood or personality changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Problems swallowing
• Problems walking or balancing
• Seizures
• Speech problems
• Weakness in limbs

Diagnostic testing for brain tumors

The neuro-oncology specialists at Loyola Medicine perform several tests to determine an accurate diagnosis. These can include:

• Neurological exam which looks for changes in vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, sensations and reflexes.  
• Blood tests to look for markers that indicate the presence of a tumor.
• Imaging tests to confirm the presence, location and type of tumor, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Biopsy to evaluate cells under a microscope to confirm that the sample tissue is cancerous.
• Advanced pathologic and molecular testing to further understand the tumor type, which helps determine options for treatment. 

Brain tumor treatment options in Chicago

Treatment for brain tumors varies depending on the type, size and location of the tumor. At Loyola Medicine, patients have access to advanced brain tumor treatment in Chicago, including minimally invasive surgery, precision radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and leading clinical trials. Our team develops individualized treatment plans designed to effectively treat tumors while preserving brain function.

Brain tumor surgery

Brain tumor surgery is often the first step in treatment. When surgery is recommended, Loyola Medicine neurosurgeons use advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove as much of the tumor as safely as possible while preserving brain function.

If the entire tumor can't be removed, such as when the tumor is located near sensitive brain structures, surgery may be paired with one or more of the following treatments to further shrink or destroy the tumor:

Chemotherapy and drug therapy

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Precisely attacks cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue by blocking specific genes or proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and survive.
• Immunotherapy: Utilizes your body's natural defenses to fight cancer by boosting your immune system to identify and destroy tumors.

Radiation therapy

• Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT): Delivers radiation during surgery to directly target the cancerous area.
• Proton beam therapy: Uses protons to help deliver higher doses of radiation to target the specific cancerous area.
• Radiation therapy: Uses targeted energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Radiosurgery: A highly precise form of radiation therapy that allows surgeons to achieve even more precise results.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: Includes both unfractioned and fractioned stereotactic radiosurgery to treat the tumor.
• Stereotactic radiotherapy: Delivers highly focused radiation beams over multiples sessions to treat tumors.

Frequently asked questions about brain tumor treatment

As an academic medical center, Loyola Medicine is dedicated to improving future treatments by conducting research on new medications and protocols. Loyola’s patients benefit from our research discoveries; learn about all of Loyola’s current clinical trials, including those related to different types of brain tumors.