If your doctor recently recommended gamma knife radiosurgery for the treatment of brain tumors (malignant and benign), vascular malformations, or functional brain disorders you may be wondering what gamma knife radiosurgery actually is. Is it a surgery? Does it use a cutting instrument to complete the procedure? Contrary to how it sounds, a Gamma Knife is not an actual knife. Instead, a Gamma Knife is a type of radiation therapy that can be very effective at targeting a specific mark.
How Does Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Work?
Before Newport Beach neurosurgeon, Dr. Christopher Duma, can perform Gamma Knife radiosurgery, he must first determine the location of your brain tumor or abnormality. To do that Dr. Duma uses advanced diagnostic imaging software to pinpoint the exact location of treatment. After determining the location of your abnormality or tumor, Dr. Duma will implement the Gamma Knife. The Gamma Knife works by directing nearly 200 focused beams of gamma radiation into a fixed point that targets the location of an abnormality or tumor. These beams on their own will not cause damage as they pass through healthy tissue, however, when they meet they can deliver a strong dose of radiation to the chosen area.
Why Choose Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
Gamma Knife radiosurgery has multiple benefits and can be an excellent choice for specific neurosurgery issues like tumors or trigeminal neuralgia. For many patients, the benefits of gamma knife include:
If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor or other brain abnormality, speak with Newport Beach neurosurgeon Dr. Duma to learn whether Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be a treatment option for you. To contact our office, call 949-642-6787 or request a consultation online.
