Gamma Knife surgery is a painless and effective way to treat many problems in the brain, head and neck. Using precise radiation, it targets harmful cells without harming healthy ones. We are one of the few health systems in Massachusetts offering this advanced treatment.
Gamma Knife surgery: Targeted radiation treatment for the brain, head + neck
Treating the brain, head and neck requires expert care. With so many delicate structures, traditional surgery can be risky. That’s where Gamma Knife surgery comes in.
Despite its name, Gamma Knife surgery doesn’t involve a knife or incisions. It uses 192 precise beams of gamma radiation to target problem areas without harming healthy tissue. This means less risk, little to no pain and a faster recovery. Most people return to their normal activities in just a few days.
We use Gamma Knife surgery to treat brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trigeminal neuralgia and other neurological conditions.
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Conditions
Gamma Knife surgery is a smart treatment option for all kinds of tumors and abnormalities in and around the brain, head and neck. This advanced, non-invasive procedure targets problem areas with focused radiation, offering a safer alternative to traditional surgery. It’s an effective option for:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can cause serious complications such as bleeding in the brain or stroke, if left untreated.
- Brain tumors: Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, including gliomas, metastatic tumors, meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas).
- Cranial nerve tumors: Abnormal growths affecting the nerves that control functions like vision, eye movement, hearing, swallowing and facial movement.
- Intraocular melanoma: A rare but serious eye cancer that can spread to the brain and other parts of the body.
- Pituitary gland tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that affect hormone production and brain function.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: A nerve condition that causes severe facial pain, often triggered by simple movements like talking or chewing.
- Vestibular schwannoma: A common type of benign tumor of cranial nerves which can affect hearing and balance.
Gamma Knife surgery provides a safe, effective option with less risk, little to no pain and faster recovery times.
Testing
Before Gamma Knife surgery, doctors use a few tests to make sure the treatment is as accurate as possible. These tests help doctors see exactly where to focus the radiation. The common tests include:
- Angiography: Used for problems like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), this test uses a special dye to show blood vessels clearly.
- CT scan: This scan gives a detailed view of the brain and the skull bone and can help doctors plan treatment.
- Hearing and balance tests: For conditions like vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), tests check hearing and balance to see how much the tumor is affecting these areas.
- MRI: This scan creates detailed pictures of the brain and helps doctors see tumors or other problems.
- PET scan: Sometimes used to find cancer throughout the body and see how active a tumor is.
These tests help doctors plan the safest and most effective Gamma Knife treatment.
Treatments
Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused radiation to precisely target and treat conditions in the brain and head. Despite its name, there’s no actual knife or cutting involved—just a highly focused beam of radiation aimed directly at the problem area.
You may be a good candidate for Gamma Knife surgery if:
- Your tumors are in hard-to-reach areas, such as deep in the brain or in the base of the skull.
- Traditional surgery is too risky due to your overall health.
- Your tumors are small and manageable with focused radiation.
Gamma Knife surgery may also be considered if you’ve already tried other treatments such as chemotherapy, conventional neurosurgery for tumors, interventional neuroradiology, or traditional radiation therapy, and they haven’t had the desired effect.
Why choose Gamma Knife surgery?
- Precision: The treatment uses 192 beams of radiation to target tumors and abnormalities with incredible accuracy, leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
- Non-invasive: No cuts, no incisions—just tiny pin holes and no hospital stay required.
- Minimal risk: It’s a safer option with fewer complications and a reduced chance of infection.
- Quick recovery: Most people experience little to no pain and can return to their daily activities in just a few days.
Gamma Knife surgery provides a highly effective, safer alternative to traditional surgery, with quicker recovery times and fewer risks.
FAQs
What is Gamma Knife surgery?
Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused beams of radiation to treat many brain and some head and neck conditions. Unlike traditional surgery, no cuts or incisions are made, making it a safer option for conditions like brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, and cranial nerve tumors.
What conditions can Gamma Knife surgery treat?
Gamma Knife surgery is effective for treating various conditions, including brain tumors (both cancerous and non-cancerous), arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cranial nerve tumors, vestibular schwannomas, trigeminal neuralgia and more. It’s especially useful for tumors located in hard-to-reach areas, such as deep in the brain and the base of the skull.
Is Gamma Knife surgery painful?
No, Gamma Knife surgery is not painful. It is a non-invasive procedure, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the treatment. The procedure is typically done while you’re awake.
How long does Gamma Knife surgery take?
The treatment itself typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour. However, the preparation process, such as placing a frame or mask for accuracy, can take additional time.
What is the recovery time after Gamma Knife surgery?
Recovery after Gamma Knife surgery is minimal. Most people can return to their regular activities within a few days. Unlike traditional surgery, there's no need for a long hospital stay or lengthy recovery period. Some mild side effects, like fatigue or mild headache, are possible but usually subside quickly.
How many sessions of Gamma Knife surgery are needed?
Most patients only need one session of Gamma Knife surgery. However, some may need more than one session, depending on the size and location of the condition being treated.
Is Gamma Knife surgery safe?
Yes, Gamma Knife surgery is considered very safe. The radiation is precisely focused on the target area, which reduces the risk of harming surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it a safer option compared to traditional surgery.
Who is a good candidate for Gamma Knife surgery?
Gamma Knife surgery is ideal for people with tumors or conditions in hard-to-reach areas of the brain or head, those who cannot undergo traditional surgery due to health concerns, or individuals with small tumors. It may also be an option if previous treatments have not been effective.
What are the risks of Gamma Knife surgery?
Gamma Knife surgery carries minimal risk. While some mild side effects, such as swelling, headache, or dizziness, may occur, serious complications are rare. The treatment is much safer compared to traditional surgery, as it does not require incisions in the brain.
How soon will I see results from Gamma Knife surgery?
The effects of Gamma Knife surgery can vary. Some people begin to notice improvements in symptoms within a few weeks. For conditions like tumor shrinkage, full results may take several months to appear. It is important to follow up with your doctor to monitor progress.
Why is it important that Gamma Knife surgery is offered at Tufts Medical Center?
We are proud to be one of the few health systems in Boston and even New England offering Gamma Knife surgery. This is important because it provides access to a state-of-the-art, non-invasive treatment option that can improve outcomes for patients with brain and head conditions. With our advanced technology and experienced team, patients benefit from cutting-edge treatment without the need for traditional surgery or long recovery times.
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