Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Brain Tumors
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Center Campus
- East Pavilion, Level 5
- 111 Colchester Avenue
Burlington, VT, 05401 - Phone: 802-847-4590
- Fax: 802-847-0654
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM
- Directions
Brain tumors are a widespread health problem in the United States, with approximately 17,000 people diagnosed with primary brain tumors every year. They can result in major loss of brain function, injury and death.
Brain tumors are a leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children. They are also the second fastest growing cause of cancer death among those over age 65.
About brain tumors
Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells in the brain. Some brain tumors are non-cancerous, or benign, and others are cancerous, or malignant. There are two main groups of brain tumors: primary and metastatic.
Primary tumors include those that originate in the tissues of the brain, or the area immediately surrounding the brain. These types of tumors occur when normal cells develop mutations in their genetic make-up or DNA. The mutations cause the cells to grow and divide at increased rates, forming a mass of abnormal cells.
Metastatic tumors include those that occur elsewhere in the body and migrate to the brain. These types of tumors are more common than primary tumors. Patients may already have a history of cancer when the brain tumor is discovered. For other patients, they may be the first sign of a cancer that started in another part of the body.
The underlying cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. Risk factors can include:
- Age – Risk of brain tumor increases with age.
- Radiation exposure – Those who have been exposed to ionizing radiation, such as from radiation therapy, have an increased risk.
- Chemical exposure – Exposure to chemical hazards at the workplace may be a factor.
- Family history – Those with a family history of brain tumors are at higher risk.
Brain tumor treatment at Fletcher Allen
Fletcher Allen medical experts offer comprehensive, experienced diagnosis and treatment for all types of brain tumors. Patients receive care from a multi-disciplinary team of dedicated and knowledgeable physicians and staff with advanced expertise in their field. This approach brings together the skills and expertise of cancer specialists, diagnostic radiology imaging experts, pathologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons to focus on your specific needs.
Our neurosurgeons are specially trained in the most recent techniques – including microsurgery, laser surgery, computer-assisted surgery and image-guided therapies -- for removing complex brain tumors. Patients benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, along with access to advanced technology and minimally invasive surgery.
Through all stages of your treatment – from diagnosis to surgery to rehabilitation -- we provide a caring, personalized approach that puts patients at the center of everything we do.
Because Fletcher Allen is a university hospital and health system in partnership with the University of Vermont, you can be assured that your care is informed by the latest scientific innovations and ground-breaking research. And treatment is backed by a strong commitment to high-quality care and ongoing quality improvement. Fletcher Allen is also dedicated to patient education, making sure you have all the information you need to make informed choices about your care.
