The Photon Knife is a minimally invasive type of brain surgery that uses high doses of radiation with pinpoint accuracy to treat and eradicate intracranial tumors and other abnormalities. North Cypress Medical Center is one of the few cancer centers in Texas to offer stereotactic radiosurgery using the Brain Lab System. Since this procedure is minimally invasive, it is not necessary to shave the head, incise and retract the scalp or open the skull.
Lesions or Conditions Treated
- Primary Malignant Brain Tumors
- Metastatic Tumors
- Intractable Cancer Pain
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
- Acoustic Tumors
- Pituitary Tumors
- Pineal Region Tumors
- Meningiomas
- Skull Based Tumors
- Craniopharyngiomas
How It Works
The neurosurgeon fits a stereotactic head frame on the patient under local anesthesia. The patient undergoes an MRI and CTI Scan where the data is transferred to a special treatment planning program. A 3-D image of the brain is created and the treatment team pinpoints the exact location and proper radiation dosage. The patient is immobilized on the couch of the Linear Accelerator where the treatment is delivered. During treatment, the Photon Knife sends a laser sharp high-intensity X-ray beam to one precise, small area of the brain. The advanced computer software of the Photon Knife allows it to deliver up to 7 weeks of radiation therapy to an area as small as 5 millimeters in approximately 20 minutes.
Benefits include:
- No shaving of head
- Only minor discomfort
- Outpatient procedure so no long, costly hospital stays
- Quick recovery since minimally invasive procedure – most patients go home the same day and typically return to work the following morning.
For more information about the Photon Knife or any of the other innovative technologies offered at North Cypress Cancer Center, contact us at 832-912-3650.
