Brain Tumors Specialist
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Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates
Alim M Ladha, MD
Neurosurgeon & Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon located in Midland and Odessa, TX
Brain tumors are abnormal growths in the brain. There are more than 150 types of brain tumors. Not all brain tumors are cancerous, but surgery may be needed to remove a brain tumor to ease symptoms. Alim Ladha, MD, is a skilled neurosurgeon at Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates who uses advanced surgical techniques when removing brain tumors. Schedule a consultation by calling the office in Odessa, Texas, or booking an appointment online today.
Brain Tumors Q & A
What are brain tumors?
Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells found in the brain. These abnormal growths may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Brain tumors may also be primary tumors, originating in the brain. Or, they may be metastatic tumors, which is when cancer in one part of your body spreads to the brain.
These tumors may grow at various rates and cause a wide range of symptoms. Brain tumor symptoms may depend on the location, type, and size of your brain tumor. Headaches, poor balance, and fatigue are some of the symptoms you may have with a brain tumor.
What are the types of brain tumors?
There are more than 150 types of brain tumors. This includes benign and malignant brain tumors. Some of the common types of brain tumors include:
Gliomas
Gliomas are abnormal growths of tissue located in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rapidly growing malignant glioma.
Meningiomas
Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. These types of tumors are usually benign.
Acoustic neuromas
Acoustic neuromas are tumors found on the nerves that control hearing. These brain tumors are usually benign.
Pituitary adenomas
Pituitary adenomas are benign growths that form on the pituitary gland, which is a gland that controls most of the hormones in your body.
Craniopharyngiomas
Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors that grow near the pituitary gland.
Who needs surgery for brain tumors?
Not everyone with a brain tumor needs surgery. However, if you have a malignant brain tumor or a brain tumor that causes severe symptoms or interferes with normal body functions, you may benefit from surgery.
Dr. Ladha specializes in neurosurgery and conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine the best course of treatment for your brain tumor.
What happens during surgery for brain tumors?
Dr. Ladha customizes his surgical plans when performing surgery for brain tumors. The tools and techniques he uses may depend on the type, size, and location of your brain tumor.
However, Dr. Ladha may use advanced stereotactic navigation or neuro-navigation.
Stereotactic navigation
Stereotactic navigation is an image-guided brain surgery technique. This technique allows Dr. Ladha to find the location of your tumor and map out a more precise surgical plan.
Neuro-navigation
Neuro-navigation combines image-guided techniques with advanced surgical technology to improve visualization and surgical precision when removing a brain tumor.
To discuss surgical options for your brain tumor, call Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool today.
