Surgery for Low-Grade Glioma

In addition to being used for diagnosing low-grade glioma, surgery is also a common primary treatment for this type of cancer. If the tumor is in an area that is favorable for removal, a neurosurgeon will attempt to resect as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. For some low-grade glioma patients, this initial surgery is the only treatment needed; for others, radiation therapy or chemotherapy might also be recommended as part of their treatment plan.

Low-grade glioma surgery at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center features a distinguished Neuro-Oncology Program comprising a multispecialty treatment team of highly trained physicians – all of whom specialize solely in brain cancers such as low-grade glioma. As a high-volume cancer center, Moffitt receives a large number of surgical patients, giving its neurosurgeons an unparalleled level of experience.

Types of low-grade glioma surgery

All patients at Moffitt receive an individualized treatment plan, tailored to his or her unique situation, needs and preferences. One of the following procedures may be recommended for treating a low-grade glioma:

• Resection – Surgical removal of a tumor has a goal of eliminating cancerous tissue, as well as relieving pressure in the brain and alleviating symptoms.
• Awake craniotomy – With the patient awake during surgery to remove the low-grade glioma, tests can be performed (such as the patient responding to questions or doing certain tasks like blinking or moving fingers) to reduce the chance of complications that impact speech, sight or movement. These procedures are often planned with the use of functional MRI and DTI mapping, which can help the neurosurgeon predict areas of the tumor that are in or in close relation to important areas of function in the brain.

To learn more about low-grade glioma surgery options or consult with a neuro-oncologist, contact Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing our new patient registration form online. No referrals are needed to visit Moffitt.