Observation for Brain Tumors

In some cases, doctors at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center might recommend observation instead of surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy for a brain tumor. Observation means that the patient will be examined by a neurosurgeon and undergo imaging tests every three to six months.

Observation may be used for:

• A brain tumor that cannot be safely removed surgically because of its location
• A small, benign, slow-growing brain tumor that produces few symptoms (e.g., some meningiomas)
• Older patients with other health conditions who are not surgical candidates

Treatment may become necessary later, for example, if the tumor grows or symptoms worsen.

Learn more about a patient currently undergoing observation treatment at Johns Hopkins: Carlos Luceno is currently living with stage II brain cancer. He receives his treatment and care from Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Dr Henry Brem at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center.