







At Mayo Clinic, teams of experts use all of these diagnostic techniques, in addition to advanced imaging technology such as a high-powered (7-tesla) MRI scanner and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). MRE tests the softness of a tumor so that a neurosurgeon can plan how best to remove it. This technology was developed by a Mayo Clinic physician-scientist.

The Mayo Clinic brain tumor team also uses molecular diagnostics, an individualized medicine approach that analyzes the DNA of a tumor. This type of genetic testing helps doctors predict which treatment options will work on specific brain tumor types.

The comprehensive, precise diagnostic methods of Mayo Clinic's brain tumor team enables your neurosurgeon to plan your operation exactly and reduce the risk of needing follow-up surgery.








Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons are experts in awake brain surgery. The procedure, offered at very few medical centers in the country, is used to help certain people who've been told they have an inoperable brain tumor. The surgical team is able to remove the tumor safely with minimized risk of serious complications.

At Mayo Clinic, neurosurgeons are also experts in minimally invasive techniques. People who undergo brain tumor surgery with these advanced approaches often experience reduced hospital stays, shorter recovery times and a lower expected mortality rate. Many people who undergo brain tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic leave the hospital in one or two days. Neurosurgeons are able to do these precise and complicated surgeries because they work with specialists in brain imaging (neuroradiologists) and use advanced surgical navigation and mapping equipment. They are able to visualize exactly where the tumor is and the surgical path to it.

Radiation therapy



A newer form of radiation therapy using proton beams is being studied for use in people with brain tumors. For tumors that are very close to sensitive areas of the brain, proton therapy may reduce the risk of side effects associated with radiation. But proton therapy hasn't proved to be more effective than standard radiation therapy with X-rays.










Targeted drug therapy


Targeted therapy drugs are available for certain types of brain tumors, and many more are being studied in clinical trials. Many different forms of targeted therapy are being developed.

Rehabilitation after treatment



Alternative medicine


Some complementary treatments that may help you cope include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Art therapy
  • Exercise
  • Meditation
  • Music therapy
  • Relaxation exercises

Talk with your doctor about your options.

Coping and support




Preparing for your appointment


  • Doctors who specialize in brain disorders (neurologists)
  • Doctors who treat cancer (oncologists)
  • Doctors who use radiation to treat cancer (radiation oncologists)
  • Rehabilitation specialists


What you can do

  • Write down questions to ask your doctor.


  • What type of brain tumor do I have?
  • Where is my brain tumor located?
  • How large is my brain tumor?
  • How aggressive is my brain tumor?
  • Is my brain tumor cancerous?
  • Will I need additional tests?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Can any treatments cure my brain tumor?
  • What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
  • Is there one treatment you feel is best for me?


What to expect from your doctor


  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
  • Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?