A brain tumor diagnosis can be one of the most overwhelming moments in a person’s life — but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we combine advanced neurosurgical expertise with a calm, compassionate approach to help patients across Mercer County, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania understand their options and move forward with confidence. Whether your tumor was discovered after months of subtle symptoms or identified during an unrelated scan, our team is here to guide you through every step of evaluation, treatment, and recovery.
For nearly two decades, PBSO’s fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and multidisciplinary clinicians have delivered award-winning care for patients with benign and malignant brain tumors. Our specialists are leaders in their fields, contributing to the latest research and bringing the most current surgical, radiation, and medical therapies to our patients. From precise diagnosis through individualized treatment planning, we focus on what matters most: accuracy, clarity, and outcomes that protect your quality of life.
Types of Brain Tumors
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Primary tumors: Brain tumors that originate in the brain tissue, brain lining, skull, nerves, or pituitary gland
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Metastatic tumors: Tumors that originate from cancers in other parts of the body and spread to the brain
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Benign tumors: Slow-growing tumors that do not spread or damage other areas of the body
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Malignant tumors: Cancerous growths that spread aggressively and damage critical body functions
Grades of Brain Tumors
Tumors are often graded by factors like the abnormal character of cells, rate of tumor growth, potential for spreading, and tumor blood supply.
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Grade I: Benign tumors with excellent survival rates
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Grade II: Slow-growing tumors that may invade other areas or recur
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Grade III: Faster-growing, invasive tumors with more abnormal cells
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Grade IV: Malignant tumors that proliferate and spread widely
As tumors progress, they are sometimes reclassified to reflect changes and growth.
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Brain tumor symptoms vary and may appear gradually. They are usually caused by pressure on the brain, tissue damage, a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, or a blockage of the fluid’s circulation.
Brain tumors can cause mental and physical changes that may produce symptoms such as:
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Headaches
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Seizures
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Unsteadiness & problems with motor skills
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Difficulty communicating
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Cognitive & memory problems
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Changes in temperament or behavior
Treatment for Brain Tumors
Although research promises continued innovation in brain tumor treatment, there are three main types of treatment currently in use.
These include:
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Surgery to remove all or part of the tumor: Surgical removal of a brain tumor depends on the location of the tumor. A tumor can be successfully removed if it has not grown around critical structures like arteries that supply blood to the brain or invaded areas of the brain essential to functions like speech or movement.
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Radiation therapy: This treatment involves using a machine to direct a beam of radiation or destructive energy at the tumor. The radiation damages the tumor, causing it to shrink or stop growing.
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Chemotherapy: Certain medications can cause brain tumors to shrink. Newer treatments use the body’s own immune system or hormonal system to shrink tumors. These newer drugs often produce better results and fewer side effects than older chemotherapy treatments.
Patient-Centered Care for Brain Tumors
The diagnosis of a brain tumor is distressing for you and your family, but advances in research and treatment are steadily improving prognoses and outcomes. Our team at Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics specializes in the latest neurosurgical techniques to offer our patients the most up-to-date options. We also believe informed patients and families make the best decisions about care, and we provide informative videos and articles on our website. The entire staff at PBSO is focused on your health and your care.
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics
For nearly 20 years, Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics has been a trusted destination for patients seeking advanced brain tumor care across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons bring decades of combined experience in complex cranial procedures, working alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, and rehabilitation. Patients choose PBSO not only for our clinical expertise and access to the most advanced surgical technology, but for the calm, relationship-driven care that defines every visit — from your first consultation through long-term follow-up. We treat every patient as a person first, with the goal of restoring clarity, comfort, and quality of life.
To schedule a consultation with one of our brain tumor specialists, call Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics at (888) 741-7272 or contact us online to request an appointment.
