Tumors can be removed from the brain by minimally invasive techniques, helping to preserve sensation and function.
Although tumors inside the skull aren't necessarily malignant, they can cause real problems because they press on nerves, blood vessels and other vital structures. Often they grow to a large size, even though they may not spread, and cause visual, hearing and other symptoms.

Removal of large benign brain tumors by conventional surgery is risky, because surrounding brain tissue can so easily be damaged. Doctors at the Skull Base Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center use another approach, however - minimally invasive surgery. This involves making a very small incision and inserting a thin viewing instrument which gives video images of the brain. Using miniature surgical instruments, the tumor is then removed through the tiny incision. The instruments are carefully manipulated to get at the tumor with minimal disturbance of surrounding brain tissue. The minimally invasive technique has been used successfully to remove tumors at various locations beneath the skull.