Brain or spinal cord surgery is called neurosurgery.
For general information about what surgery is and how it is used to treat cancer, see Surgery.
Learn more about:
- Why have surgery?
- When surgery is not possible
- What to expect before surgery
- Types of surgery for brain cancer
- What to expect after surgery
- Side effects of surgery
- Video: Surgery for brain cancer
Why have surgery?
Surgery may:
- remove the whole tumour (total resection)
- remove part of the tumour (partial resection or debulking)
- help diagnose a brain tumour (biopsy).
All of the tumour will be removed if it can be done safely, but this will depend on the type and location of the tumour. Removing part of the tumour may be considered when the tumour covers a wider area or is near major blood vessels or other important parts of the brain or spinal cord. This may help reduce the pressure on your brain, which will improve some of the symptoms.
When surgery is not possible
Sometimes a tumour is considered unsafe to remove because it is too close to certain parts of the brain, and surgery would cause blindness, loss of speech, paralysis or other serious complications. Sometimes these may be called inoperable or unresectable tumours. A needle biopsy is still often possible and can help to guide treatment options.
Your doctor will talk to you about what treatments you can have and ways to manage symptoms.
What to expect before surgery
The different scans used to diagnose a brain tumour (such as MRI or CT scans) are often done again to plan surgery.
Some people may have a functional MRI (fMRI) to help the surgeon avoid damaging the most important areas of the brain. You will be asked to complete brain exercises during the MRI scan to show the exact areas of the brain that are used as you speak or move. These parts of the brain can also be found during surgery with brain mapping.
Tell your doctor about any blood-thinning or other medicines, and any supplements that you take. Some medicines interfere with the anaesthetic used during the operation, so you may need to stop taking them for a while.
If you smoke or vape, it is important to stop before surgery, as smoking or vaping can increase the risk of complications.
Having surgery to the brain can sound frightening and it is natural to feel anxious beforehand. Talk to your treatment team about your concerns or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for support. You can also listen to our podcast on Managing Fear.
→ READ MORE: The types of surgery for brain cancer
Video: Surgery for brain cancer
Find out more about the surgery options for brain cancer, including craniotomy, awake craniotomy, and endoscopic surgery.
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Prof Lindy Jeffree, Director of Neurosurgery, Alfred Health, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Tamara Ownsworth, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Director, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, QLD; A/Prof Hao-Wen Sim, Medical Oncologist, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Megan Trevethan, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy – Cancer and Lymphoedema Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Chris Twyford, Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Health Services, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, ACT; Dr Adam Wells, Clinical Academic Consultant Neurosurgeon, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
