Innovation for Better Outcomes
Because fewer risks lead to faster recoveries, we use the most innovative techniques available for brain tumor embolization, head and neck tumor embolization and neck tumor removal.
For patients with head and neck tumors, embolization can reduce brain tumor removal surgery risks, including the risk of bleeding during surgery. That’s why our surgeons use embolization to cut off the blood supply to a tumor. Done on its own or before surgery, cutting off blood supply to cancerous tumors (and noncancerous ones, too) can help ensure safer and better outcomes.
At each step of this process, our team will be by your side to answer your questions and ease your mind.
Understanding Tumor Embolization
- What Is Tumor Embolization?
-
When tumors are in parts of the body that aren’t easy to reach — like the head, neck and brain — embolization shrinks the tumor to make it easier to remove. It also significantly reduces the risks of nerve damage and excessive blood loss during surgery.
Embolization can be used to treat cancerous growths in the head and neck, including in the:
- Larynx (or voice box)
- Mouth
- Sinuses
- Throat
We’ll work to ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery so you can get back to the life you love.
- Brain Tumor Embolization
-
We use brain tumor embolization to help treat:
- Acoustic neuroma
- Chordoma
- Colloid cysts
- Craniopharyngioma
- Glioma
- Intraventricular tumors
- Meningioma
- Pituitary tumors
- Skull base tumors
Tumors near the brain and spinal cord can be difficult or sometimes impossible to remove. But when our surgeons use embolization to cut off the blood supply to a tumor, it can help minimize potential complications and improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Tumor Embolization, From Diagnosis to Recovery
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure — even for head, neck or brain tumors. It requires the work of a highly trained specialist and is usually performed by an neurointerventional radiologists.
Before your embolization, you’ll have a series of diagnostic tests that pinpoint the exact location of the blood vessels that are flowing into the tumor. A cerebral or spinal angiogram maps the blood vessels using contrast dye and an X-ray. Your doctor will use this map to determine if the blood supply to the tumor is large enough to make embolization a worthwhile treatment.
During embolization, a small incision is made (usually in your groin area) and a catheter is threaded through your body and up to the tumor in your head, neck or brain — all guided by an X-ray to ensure accuracy.
Once the catheter reaches the location of your tumor, your neurointerventional radiologist will block the flow of blood by inserting a blocking agent into your blood vessels. This blocking agent may be referred to as a coil, glue, plug or balloon.
Since we’re able to access the area without making a large incision, you won’t have the risks typically associated with open surgery.
Most people return home after an embolization procedure within 24 to 48 hours. You can expect the incision site to be sore for several days.
Your doctor will monitor your embolization closely to ensure the procedure stopped the blood supply to the tumor. Several months after the procedure, imaging scans will reveal whether or not your tumor shrunk.
Compassionate, Coordinated Care
Getting treatment for a serious health condition like a brain tumor can be scary. That’s why we make sure you never feel alone. Our care team will work with you at every step of your treatment journey. They’re ready to respond to help you heal in body, mind and spirit.
Tumor Removal Care, Close to Home
You don’t have to go far for expert care. Our Institute serves AdventHealth locations across the West Florida area, so you can rest assured that world-class care for tumor removal is always nearby.