Smarter Tumor Care for Your Smoother Recovery
When it comes to tumors, we consider your care from every angle. We’ll walk you through minimally invasive solutions that can support a more seamless recovery, like embolization to eliminate a tumor’s blood supply and shrink it.
For people with head and neck tumors, embolization can be done on its own or to help a tumor-removal surgery go more smoothly. Because fewer risks lead to faster recoveries, we use the most innovative techniques available for brain tumor embolization, head and neck tumor embolization and neck tumor removal, helping ensure the best possible outcomes for you.
At each step of this process, our team will be by your side to answer your questions and ease your mind. Count on us to get you back to the life you love as quickly as possible.
Supporting You at Every Step of Tumor Embolization
- Preparing for Tumor Embolization
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Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure — even for head, neck or brain tumors. It requires the work of a highly trained specialist and is usually performed by a neurointerventional radiologist.
Before your embolization, you’ll have a series of diagnostic tests that pinpoint the exact location of the blood vessels that are flowing into the tumor. A cerebral or spinal angiogram maps the blood vessels using contrast dye and an X-ray. Your doctor will use this map to determine if the blood supply to the tumor is large enough to make embolization a worthwhile treatment.
- How We Perform Tumor Embolization
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During an embolization procedure, a small incision is made (usually in your groin area), and a catheter is threaded through your body and up to the tumor in your head, neck or brain — all guided by an X-ray to ensure accuracy.
Once the catheter reaches the location of your tumor, your neurointerventional radiologist will block the flow of blood by inserting a blocking agent into your blood vessels. This blocking agent may be referred to as a coil, glue, plug or balloon.
Since we’re able to access the area without making a large incision, you won’t have the risks typically associated with open surgery.
- Next Steps After Tumor Embolization
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Most people return home after an embolization procedure within 24 to 48 hours. You can expect the incision site to be sore for several days.
Your doctor will monitor your embolization closely to ensure the procedure successfully stopped the blood supply to the tumor. Several months after the procedure, imaging scans will reveal whether the tumor has shrunk.
Answering Your Questions About Head, Neck and Brain Tumor Embolization
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Q:Question: What is embolization?
A:Answer:Embolization is a procedure that can block blood flow to an area of the body. It can be an effective way to treat tumors in parts of the body that aren’t easily accessible, such as the head, neck and brain. Shrinking the tumor before surgery can make it easier to remove and greatly reduce the risks of excessive blood loss and nerve damage during surgery.
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Q:Question: What types of tumors can embolization treat?
A:Answer:Head and neck tumor embolization may be recommended to treat cancerous growths in the:
- Larynx, also called the voice box
- Mouth
- Sinuses
- Throat
Brain tumor embolization helps treat:
- Acoustic neuroma
- Chordoma
- Colloid cysts
- Craniopharyngioma
- Glioma
- Intraventricular tumors
- Meningioma
- Pituitary tumors
- Skull base tumors
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Q:Question: How is embolization performed?
A:Answer:Embolization is a catheter-based procedure performed by an interventional neuroradiologist. A catheter is a thin tube that can be threaded through blood vessels to access diseased or damaged areas of the body. This gives the neuroradiologist access to the area without a large incision and without the risks typically associated with traditional (open) surgery.
To begin an embolization procedure, a small incision is usually made in the groin area. Through this incision, the catheter will be guided by X-ray imaging all the way up to the tumor. The neuroradiologist then inserts a blocking agent (a coil, a plug, glue or a tiny balloon) into the blood vessels to stop the flow of blood. Most people return home within 48 hours after the procedure, and follow-up imaging will confirm that the tumor has shrunk.
Request a Consultation With a Specialist
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or were recently diagnosed, the compassionate neurological care you need is close to home. Request a visit with one of our experienced specialists to begin a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole health.
Discover Your AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute Network
Across the nation, each of our locations shares the same commitment to innovation, expertise and a whole-person approach. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.
