Stereotactic radiosurgery
Primary malignant brain and central nervous system tumors account for approximately 1-2% of all cancers in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute. However, up to 30% of all other cancers can spread to the brain, forming brain metastases. Whether you have a primary or metastatic brain tumor, our team of board-certified specialists at HonorHealth Cancer Care are here for you. At HonorHealth, we specialize in diagnosing and treating brain and central nervous tumors using both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).
What is SRS?
Despite its name, SRS is a non-surgical procedure that uses radiation to kill cancerous cells, utilizing precisely targeted beams of radiation at different angles that are focused on the tumor. These beams transfer a higher, more concentrated dose of radiation directly into the tumor while minimizing risks to surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, SRS is used after surgical resection, in others, it is used as the sole treatment without any need for surgery. The great news is that SRS generally destroys the tumor in just one to five treatments.
What does the treatment entail?
The procedure is completely non-invasive. We first take a specialized CT scan of your head to create a 3D map of the tumor to help determine the exact size, shape and location of it, and help guide us in setting up the angles and strength of the beams. During this radiation planning session, we will also create a personalized mask to help hold your head steady while the radiation beam is on. Once the radiation is ready to start, each treatment takes around 10-15 minutes, and it is entirely painless. SRS delivers a higher dose of targeted radiation that fundamentally works in the same way as other forms of radiation treatment and damages the DNA of the tumor cells.
What are the side effects?
SRS is usually very well tolerated with minimal side effects for most patients, including mild fatigue or headache. Your physician can carefully review any side effects to look out for depending on the location of the tumor within your brain.