Many cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors can be effectively treated with stereotactic radiosurgy (SRS). Unlike traditional surgical operations, stereotactic radiosurgy is non-invasive and does not use a scalpel or general anesthesia, but rather uses an “invisible blade” of radiation; this makes the procedure bloodless while reducing the discomfort and complications of invasive surgery.
How SRS Works
Before stereotactic radiosurgy treatment beings, high-resolution 3-D images of the brain are taken to locate the tumor, its exact size and shape. These images guide radiation oncologists to plan your treatment for the target area. During treatment, very precise fine arcs of radiation are administered from many different angles and planes, concentrating a large dose of radiation to the targeted area to destroy the tumor.
What to Expect
Stereotactic radiosurgery treatments are performed in one session, lasting one to four hours. Most patients feel no pain during the treatment and are able to go home immediately afterward.
Benefits of SRS
Stereotactic radiosurgy precisely targets the brain tumor to receive a maximum amount of radiation while limiting the amount of radiation exposure to healthy nearby tissue. SRS is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery and reduces the risks of complications sometimes associated with conventional surgery.