Brain Tumors and Neurosciences at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Super Doctors Southern California 2026 – Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Glioma, Glioblastoma & Astrocytoma

Glioblastoma is a cancer of the brain that’s difficult to treat because it invades the normal brain structure.

Meningioma

Meningiomas are the most common benign brain tumor although up to 10% can exhibit more aggressive growth patterns.

Metastatic Brain Tumors

Metastatic brain tumors (also known as secondary brain tumors) arise from a cancer from another part of the body and occur in 10 – 30% of cancer patients.

Schwannoma (Trigeminal And Vestibular)

Schwannoma (Trigeminal & Vestibular) tumors are typically benign and arise from the nerve sheath (covering) of cranial nerves along-side the cerebellum and brainstem.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are benign brain tumors that arise near the Pituitary Gland and Pituitary Stalk and are typically both cystic and solid in structure.

Chordoma

Chordoma are locally invasive slow growing malignant tumors that arise from the remnant of the primitive notochord.

Colloid Cyst

Colloid Cyst are relatively uncommon benign cysts that arise within the fluid filled regions of the brain, the ventricles.

Epidermoid Cyst

Epidermoid Cyst are relatively uncommon benign cysts or tumors that arise from stratified squamous epithelium along the surface of the brain.

Hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastoma are relatively uncommon benign tumors that are comprised of blood vessels and typically arise in the cerebellum, but can also occur in the brainstem and spinal cord.

Intraventricular Tumors

The ventricles of the brain are fluid-filled structures that produce the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma (Esthesioneuroblastoma)

Olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs) are rare malignant tumors that arise from the olfactory nerve (sense of smell) and extend into the nasal cavity.

Pineal Regional Tumors

The pineal gland lies deep within the brain and regulates circadian rhythm. Occasionally, tumors or cysts can arise from this gland which may require surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Spinal Cord Tumors

Spinal cord tumors arise in the spinal cord itself or adjacent to the spinal cord and can occur in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions.

Glioma, Glioblastoma & Astrocytoma

Treatment of gliomas may involve surgical debulking, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Meningioma

Symptomatic meningiomas typically require surgical removal.

Metastatic Brain Tumors

Depending on the size, treatment options include surgical removal through a Keyhole Craniotomy or precision radiosurgery (SRS).

Schwannoma (Trigeminal And Vestibular)

Treatment options include surgical removal through a keyhole retrosigmoid craniotomy or other skull base approach or by radiosurgery.

Craniopharyngioma

Treatment options include surgery, radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), and hormonal replacement therapy.

Chordoma

Treatment options depend on the location. Initial treatment for a clival chordoma is with surgical removal, however, some extensive and/or laterally placed chordomas may require different skull base surgical approaches.

Colloid Cyst

Treatment depends on the location and size of the colloid cyst.

Epidermoid Cyst

Surgery is required to remove large epidermoid tumors that are causing symptoms.

Hemangioblastoma

Typical treatment options are surgical removal through a sub-occipital or Retromastoid Craniotomy.

Intraventricular Tumors

Treatment options can include direct endoscopic biopsy and resection, however, for larger tumors, a brain-port is helpful for better tumor access and control.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma (Esthesioneuroblastoma)

The aggressive nature of Olfactory Neuroblastoma typically warrants multimodality treatment options including surgical removal and radiotherapy in most cases and sometimes chemotherapy.

Pineal Regional Tumors

Most tumors, require surgical debulking or resection. Biopsies could also be performed endoscopically through the ventricles.

Spinal Cord Tumors

The optimal treatment option for a spinal cord tumor is in-part related to the type and location.