Are There Alternative Options to Receiving an Endonasal Endoscopy for Brain Cancer?
An endonasal endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon inserts small instruments through the nasal passageways to access the front of the brain and the top of the spine. This procedure can be used to remove small brain and skull base tumors, as well as tumors that are located in the upper (cervical) section of the spine.
What are the advantages of an endonasal endoscopy?
An endonasal endoscopy does not require a surgical incision. Additionally, this approach does not involve the removal of a small portion of the skull, as is the case with other types of brain surgery. As a result, it tends to have:
- A lower risk of infection
- Less blood loss
- A shorter and less complicated recovery
- No visible scarring
However, as with any type of brain surgery, it’s important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Alternatives to an endonasal endoscopy
Depending on your specific situation, there may be other appropriate treatment options for your brain tumor. For instance, it may be possible to treat your tumor with radiosurgery, a nonsurgical procedure that uses powerful beams of radiation therapy to destroy cancerous cells. Or, you may be a candidate for a different type of brain cancer surgery, such as a robotic procedure.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we provide the latest treatments for brain cancer – both surgical and nonsurgical. Our experienced oncologists can review your diagnosis and help you determine the best options for your specific needs. Whether you are considering an open operation, an endonasal endoscopy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a clinical trial, we’ll help you make the choices that are right for your situation. And, to make sure that we’re able to make the best recommendations – even in the most complex cases – our Neuro-Oncology Program has a multispecialty tumor board that meets on a weekly basis.
If you’d like to talk with a member of our team about potential alternatives to an endonasal endoscopy, you can call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online to request an appointment. No referral is required.