Brain Tumor
Nationally recognized care. Advanced treatment. Patient-focused approach.
Here for you every step of the way
At the UW Medicine Neurosciences Institute, we treat all brain tumors that are cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign). For patients with brain cancer, our leading neuro-oncology experts at the Alvord Brain Tumor Center and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are here to support you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor and need a consultation or desire a second opinion, schedule an appointment with us by calling 206.598.2282. Our team will help you get the care you need.
Teaming up for the best outcomes
Fred Hutch Cancer Center is an independent organization that serves UW Medicine's cancer program. Together, we work as a team to bring you the specialized focus of a leading independent cancer center plus the comprehensive services of a top-ranked health system. With the two organizations known globally for medical discoveries, you'll also have access to the latest research, treatment options and clinical trials.
Nationally ranked in cancer care
The Alvord Brain Tumor Center is located at UW Medical Center, the region's number one hospital that is nationally ranked in cancer care with Fred Hutch Cancer Center by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospital Report (2024-2025).
Brain Tumor (Meningioma) Treatment: Tina's Story of Hope and Return to Education
During the pandemic, Tina Allsop, an administrator in the Bellingham School District in Washington, had to adapt to online education and constant virtual meetings. When she developed severe headaches and vision changes, she sought medical help, only to discover a grapefruit-sized meningioma in her brain. Tina chose Dr. Manuel Ferreira, MD, PhD, MBA, a top neurosurgeon at UW Medicine, for her surgery.
What is a brain tumor?
There are more than 100 types of brain tumors, but some of the more common types that occur in adults include gliomas, which are the most prevalent type of adult brain tumors, accounting for 78 percent of malignant brain tumors.
Common type of tumors
This is the most common type of malignant (cancer) brain tumor. Its name comes from the star-shaped brain cells that make up the tumor. These tumors can grow anywhere in the brain. Astrocytomas are also the most common glioma.
This is the most common type of benign (not cancer) brain tumor. These tumors start in the lining that covers the brain. They can cause serious problems when they press on the brain or grow into nearby brain tissue. In rare cases, they can become cancer.
These brain tumors form in the cells that make the fatty lining that covers nerves (called myelin).
Brain tumor forms
A primary brain tumor can be cancer (malignant) or not cancer (benign):
- A malignant primary tumor is more dangerous because it can grow quickly. It may grow into or spread to other parts of the brain or to the spinal cord. Malignant tumors are also sometimes called brain cancer. (Metastatic brain tumors are always cancer. They have spread to the brain from cancer in another part of the body.)
- A benign primary brain tumor is not cancer. Benign tumors can cause damage by growing into and pressing on other parts of the brain. But these tumors don’t spread. In some cases, a benign tumor can turn into a malignant tumor over time.
This starts as a cancer in another part of the body, which spreads to the brain where it forms a new tumor. The cancer cells in the brain still look like the cells where they first started, like the lung or breast. They don’t look like mutated brain cells.
Brain tumor surgery and treatment
No matter what kind of brain tumor you have, we're here to help at every step of the way.
Diagnosis and second opinion
Your treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our neurosurgeons use the latest tools and technology to confirm your tumor's size, location and type. We also offer second opinions to people exploring their treatment options.
Treatment and advanced surgery
All of our patients will get a personalized treatment plan that includes minimally invasive surgery techniques and access to leading-edge technologies and treatments. Because several of our neurosurgeons only treat brain tumors, they have a level of experience that's hard to find.
Rehabilitation and recovery
We're here to help you regain skills and abilities after brain tumor treatment. Our rehabilitation program ranks as one of the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Patient care and support
As part of your care team, a nurse navigator will help guide you, provide cancer information and connect you with supportive services, including nutrition, neuropsychiatry and palliative care.
Our clinic locations
UW Medical Center - Montlake
Alvord Brain Tumor Center
1959 NE Pacific St., Pacific Tower, 7th Floor, Seattle, WA 98195
Neurological Surgery Clinic
1959 NE Pacific St., Surgery Pavilion, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98195
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Brain and Spine Metastases Clinic
1354 Aloha St., South Lake Union Clinic, Seattle, WA 98109