Brain Tumors

Christopher Duma, MD, FACS -  - Neurosurgeon

Christopher Duma, MD, FACS

Neurosurgeon & Brain Tumor Specialist located in Newport Beach, CA

As a nationally recognized neurosurgeon, Christopher Duma, MD, FACS, is highly experienced in diagnosing and managing brain tumors. He offers state-of-the-art brain surgery technologies for removing benign and malignant brain tumors at his neurosurgical office in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Duma creates a comprehensive surgical plan to remove tumors using minimally invasive techniques, reducing your risk for complications and the need for a long recovery. Find out more about available surgical treatments for brain tumors by calling the office or by requesting a consultation online today.

Brain Tumors Q & A

What are brain tumors?

Brain tumors are a group of cells that don’t divide and grow like healthy cells. The two types of brain tumors Dr. Duma diagnoses and treats are benign tumors and malignant tumors.

Benign tumors are noncancerous growths that develop slowly and don’t spread to other areas of your body. Benign tumors may cause symptoms but not always. They are often discovered during CT scans or MRIs while diagnosing other conditions.

Malignant tumors are fast-growing masses of cancerous cells that can spread to other areas of the brain and spine. Many malignant brain tumors start in other areas of the body and spread to the brain, making them a secondary tumor.

If this type of tumor starts in your brain, it's known as a primary brain tumor. The most common type of primary tumor is known as glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive tumor that can spread quickly.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

A benign tumor can affect your hearing and balance. You may experience changes in your vision and your ability to concentrate or remember things. You may also develop seizures and suffer persistent facial pain, a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia.

Symptoms of a malignant brain tumor include:

  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Bleeding in the brain

You can also develop dystonia, a movement disorder that causes your muscles to contract uncontrollably.

What treatments are available for a brain tumor?

As a brain tumor specialist, Dr. Duma uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, including Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, that allow him to operate on even the most sensitive areas of the brain with extreme precision.

The goals of treating a brain tumor are to remove the tumor, resolve your symptoms, and prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Dr. Duma may also include immunotherapy and other therapies as part of your treatment plan.

Immunotherapy is an effective treatment that uses substances to help your body’s immune system to fight off cancer. Dr. Duma is highly experienced in this type of therapy to help you have a greater chance of remission for primary malignant brain tumors.

If you have symptoms of a brain tumor or want to learn more about your surgical options for tumor removal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Duma online or by calling the office today.


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