UMPM - Content - Cancer - Image 620 - Dr. Hunt 620 x 300

Brain Cancer

What is brain cancer? Brain cancer that originates in the tissue of the brain is called primary brain cancer. Cancer that begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the brain is known as metastatic or secondary brain cancer. Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors.

How often does it occur? According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 23,000 new cases of primary brain cancer are reported each year, and 13,700 individuals die from the disease.

What can University of Minnesota Physicians Cancer Care offer? Our neuro-oncology specialists treat patients with a broad spectrum of noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors of the brain and nervous system. Our team of physicians and nurses work closely with patients and their families to help them better understand their conditions and available treatment options. That improved understanding means they can make well-informed decisions about their care.

In addition to conventional approaches such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, we offer a number of innovative treatment technologies, including:

  • Gamma Knife®
  • fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery
  • Tomotherapy™
  • interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surgery
  • immunotherapy

This wide range of treatment options means more individualized care for our patients.

Cancer Info

To learn more about screening, diagnosis, treatment options and after treatment care, please use the links below to find more information about each Brain cancer subtype in our cancer library.

Doctors and Providers