Brain Tumours
A brain tumour diagnosis can be overwhelming, both for patients and their families. At Rivercity Brain & Spine, Dr Garcia Redmond provides expert, compassionate care for patients with brain tumours, combining advanced surgical techniques with a deep commitment to patient wellbeing.
Dr Garcia Redmond has completed advanced fellowship training in neuro-oncology and skull base surgery at Toronto Western Hospital in Canada, as well as subspecialty training in Gamma Knife radiosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States. This specialized training allows him to offer the full spectrum of treatment options, from minimally invasive radiosurgery to complex open surgical procedures.
His approach to care is built on three core principles: safety, effectiveness, and compassion. He takes time to understand each patient's unique circumstances, explain treatment options clearly, and develop a personalised care plan that aligns with your goals and values. Dr Garcia Redmond works closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care throughout your treatment journey.
What is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the surrounding structures. Brain tumours can be classified in several ways:
Primary vs Secondary (Metastatic) Tumours:
Primary brain tumours originate in the brain itself and include types such as gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumours, and vestibular schwannomas
Secondary brain tumours (metastases) spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body, most commonly from lung, breast, melanoma, kidney, or colon cancer
Benign vs Malignant Tumours:
Benign tumours grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body, but can still cause serious symptoms depending on their location and size
Malignant tumours are cancerous, tend to grow more rapidly, and may infiltrate surrounding brain tissue
The World Health Organisation (WHO) grades brain tumours from Grade I (slowest growing, best prognosis) to Grade IV (most aggressive). The type, grade, size, and location of a brain tumour all influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
Even benign brain tumours require expert management because the brain is housed within the rigid skull, meaning any growth can cause pressure effects and neurological symptoms.
Information on this page is intended as a general guide and should not replace professional medical advice. Every patient's situation is unique. Please schedule a consultation with Dr Garcia Redmond for personalised assessment and recommendations.
What Are the Symptoms of Brain Tumours?
Brain tumour symptoms vary significantly depending on the tumour's size, type, and location. Some tumours are discovered incidentally on scans performed for other reasons, while others cause noticeable symptoms that develop gradually or suddenly.
Common symptoms include:
Headaches that are persistent, progressively worsening, or worse in the morning
Seizures (fits or convulsions), which may be the first symptom in some patients
Nausea and vomiting, particularly in the morning or associated with headache
Vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, affecting the arm, leg, or face
Balance and coordination problems, difficulty walking, or clumsiness
Speech difficulties including trouble finding words or understanding language
Cognitive changes such as memory problems, confusion, or personality changes
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (particularly with acoustic neuromas)
Hormonal imbalances (with pituitary tumours)
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
A sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before
Seizures, especially if you've never had them previously
Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of your body
Sudden vision loss or severe visual disturbance
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Loss of consciousness
Severe, persistent vomiting
These symptoms could indicate increased pressure within the skull or other serious complications requiring immediate evaluation.
How is a Brain Tumour Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
MRI scan - the primary diagnostic tool providing detailed brain imaging
CT scan - used in emergencies or when MRI isn't suitable
Neurological examination - assessing brain function and reflexes
Specialized tests - vision, hearing, or hormone testing depending on tumour location
Biopsy - tissue sampling during surgery to confirm diagnosis
Dr Garcia Redmond will review all diagnostic information with you and explain what it means for your treatment options.
How Do You Treat Brain Tumours?
Treatment is individualised based on tumour type, grade, size, location, and your personal circumstances.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options
Observation: Some slow-growing benign tumours may be monitored with regular MRI scans rather than immediate treatment.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Dr Garcia Redmond has specialised training in this highly precise, non-invasive treatment delivering focused radiation without incisions. Effective for small to medium tumours, difficult-to-reach locations, and patients not suitable for open surgery. Typically performed in a single outpatient session.
Medical Management: Medications to reduce swelling, control seizures, and manage symptoms.
Other Treatments: Conventional radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drug therapies may be recommended in collaboration with oncology specialists.
Surgical Treatment Options
Craniotomy: The most common approach, using advanced techniques including neuronavigation, intraoperative monitoring, and microsurgical methods to safely remove as much tumour as possible while preserving function.
Awake Craniotomy: For tumours near critical brain areas controlling speech or movement, surgery performed while you're awake allows real-time testing to minimise neurological risks.
Endoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive approach through the nose for certain tumours, particularly pituitary tumours.
Skull Base Surgery: Dr Garcia Redmond's fellowship training enables safe removal of complex tumours at the base of the skull.
Surgery aims to remove maximum tumour safely, relieve pressure symptoms, obtain tissue diagnosis, and reduce tumour burden before other treatments.
Your Recovery
Recovery from brain tumour treatment varies depending on the type of treatment received, the tumour's location, and your overall health. Dr Garcia Redmond and his team will support you throughout your recovery journey.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of tumour recurrence. This typically includes:
Clinical examinations to assess neurological function
Regular MRI scans (frequency depends on tumour type and grade)
Coordination with other specialists such as medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and endocrinologists as needed
Ongoing Treatment: Depending on the tumour type and grade, additional treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery. Dr Garcia Redmond works closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
Support Services: Living with a brain tumour diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. Support services may include:
Cancer support groups and counselling services
Social work assistance
Palliative care support for symptom management (not limited to end-of-life care)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Tumours
Are all brain tumours cancerous?
No. Many brain tumours are benign (non-cancerous), including most meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, and pituitary adenomas. However, even benign tumours can cause serious problems due to location and pressure on the brain.
Can brain tumours be cured?
This depends on type, grade, and location. Many benign tumours can be completely cured with surgery or radiosurgery. Some low-grade malignant tumours can be controlled for many years. High-grade malignant tumours are more challenging, but outcomes continue to improve with advances in treatment.
What Are the Risks Associated with Brain Tumours and Their Treatment?
Risks of Untreated Brain Tumours:
Progressive neurological deterioration
Increased seizure frequency
Life-threatening increased pressure
Permanent neurological damage
Reduced quality of life
Shortened life expectancy (malignant tumours)
Surgical Risks:
Dr Garcia Redmond uses advanced techniques to minimize risks, but potential complications include:
Infection, bleeding, or cerebrospinal fluid leak
Blood clots or anaesthesia reactions
Seizures
Neurological changes (weakness, speech difficulties, vision problems, cognitive or personality changes) - vary by tumour location
Rare serious complications: stroke, brain swelling
Risk likelihood depends on tumour size, location, type, overall health, and whether this is initial or repeat surgery.
Gamma Knife Risks:
Generally well-tolerated with lower complication rates than surgery:
Temporary swelling around treated area
Rare radiation necrosis
Temporary symptom worsening before improvement
Small risk of hearing loss or facial weakness (acoustic neuromas)
Recurrence Risk:
Some tumours may recur despite successful treatment. Risk depends on tumour type and grade. Regular follow-up imaging enables early detection and treatment of recurrence.
Dr Garcia Redmond provides transparent communication about both treatment risks and risks of non-treatment to support informed decision-making.
What is the difference between Gamma Knife and regular surgery?
Gamma Knife is non-invasive, using focused radiation beams without incisions. It's an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time. Traditional surgery (craniotomy) involves opening the skull to physically remove the tumour. Each has specific advantages - Gamma Knife is often preferred for small, deep, or multiple tumours, while open surgery may be necessary for larger tumours or when tissue diagnosis is needed.
Will I need to have my head shaved for surgery?
Not necessarily. Often only a small area around the incision needs to be shaved, not the entire head. Hair typically grows back over the following months.
How long will I be in hospital after brain surgery?
Most patients stay 2-5 days following craniotomy, depending on surgery complexity and recovery progress.
Can brain tumours come back after treatment?
Some tumours can recur even after successful treatment. Risk depends on tumour type and grade. Regular follow-up MRI scans allow early detection of any recurrence, which can often be treated.
Should I get a second opinion?
Second opinions are welcome and encouraged. Dr Garcia Redmond fully supports patients seeking additional input. Many cases benefit from multidisciplinary review at tumour board meetings.
Why Choose Rivercity Brain & Spine for Your Brain Tumour Treatment?
Advanced Subspecialty Training: Dr Redmond is Fellowship-trained in brain tumour and skull base surgery (Toronto Western Hospital) plus specialised Gamma Knife radiosurgery training (Cleveland Clinic).
Comprehensive Treatment Options: Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments means your plan is tailored to your needs, not limited by available expertise.
Complex Case Expertise: Specialises in challenging tumours including skull base meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, pituitary tumours, and metastatic disease.
Advanced Technology: Utilises neuronavigation, intraoperative monitoring, microsurgical techniques, and fluorescence-guided surgery.
Multidisciplinary Team: Collaborates with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and allied health for comprehensive care.
Compassionate Care: Dr Redmond’s patient-centered approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and genuine commitment to your wellbeing.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Neurosurgery Brisbane
If you've been diagnosed with a brain tumour or are experiencing concerning symptoms, early consultation provides clarity and a clear path forward.
Contact Rivercity Brain & Spine today to schedule your consultation.