A Guide To What Happens On The Day Of Gamma Knife Treatment

The prospect of having brain treatment can understandably give rise to a lot of questions and uncertainties. If your doctor has recommended Gamma Knife radiosurgery, you may already have heard that it is not “surgery” in the traditional sense. There are no scalpels, no incisions and most people go home the same day.

Still, it’s natural to feel anxious about what lies ahead. This guide walks you through a typical treatment day so you know what to expect, from the moment you arrive at the clinic until you return home.

What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery, which is a highly precise type of radiotherapy used mainly for conditions in the brain.

Instead of cutting into tissue, it uses beams of radiation that converge on a single point, targeting a tumour, malformation, or nerve problem while sparing nearby healthy brain tissue.

Many patients ask:

  • Is Gamma Knife surgery painful?
  • How long does a Gamma Knife session last?
  • Do I need to stay in hospital overnight after Gamma Knife surgery?

The answers become clearer once you understand what happens on the day.

Step 1: Arriving at the centre

Most patients come in early in the morning. When you arrive, you’ll meet the   multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, oncologists, nurses and radiologists who will oversee your treatment. They will check your details, answer any last-minute questions, and explain the day’s plan.

Step 2: Fitting the head frame or mask

For Gamma Knife treatment to work, your head must be kept completely still so the radiation beams can be delivered with pinpoint accuracy. In many centres, this is done using a lightweight head frame that is gently secured with four tiny pins.

A local anaesthetic is used so that any discomfort is minimal, and patients describe it more as “pressure” than pain.

Step 3: Imaging

Next, you’ll have a scan, usually an MRI, sometimes a CT or angiogram depending on your condition. These images give the doctors an exact map of your brain and the area that needs treatment. You’ll wear the frame or mask during scanning to ensure the images line up perfectly with the treatment system.

This part can take around 30 – 60 minutes. You won’t feel anything during the scan, though you may hear the usual whirring noises.

Step 4: Treatment planning

After your scan, you can usually relax in a private room or waiting area while the MDT specialists create your personalised treatment plan. They use advanced software to decide exactly where each radiation beam should go, how many beams are needed, and what dose is safe and effective.

This stage often takes the longest, sometimes one to two hours, but you won’t be alone. Nurses check on you, and you may be able to rest, read, or listen to music. Families are often encouraged to wait with you.

Step 5: The treatment session

When the plan is ready, you’ll be taken to the Gamma Knife suite. You’ll lie on a comfortable couch, and the head frame or mask is attached to the treatment machine to keep you still. The couch slides gently into the machine, which is quiet and open at the ends.

  • The treatment itself is painless.
  • You won’t feel or see the radiation.
  • Sessions can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on your condition.

Throughout, staff monitor you closely via cameras and intercom. You can speak to them if you need reassurance, and some centres allow music to be played during the session.

Step 6: After the treatment

Once the radiation has been delivered, the head frame or mask is removed. If you had a frame, you may notice small pin marks on your scalp, which usually heal quickly. Some patients feel a little tired, light-headed, or have a mild headache, but many feel well enough to go home within a couple of hours.

Because no incision is made, there’s no long hospital stay. Most people return home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two, though your doctor may suggest taking it easy for 24–48 hours.

Step 7: follow-up care

The benefits of Gamma Knife develop gradually. For tumours, the goal is often to stop growth or shrink it over time. For nerve conditions, pain relief may take a few weeks to appear. Follow-up appointments and scans are scheduled so doctors can monitor progress and manage any side effects.

A day of Gamma Knife treatment is usually much less daunting than many people imagine. The process is carefully managed by a team whose goal is not only precision but also your comfort and peace of mind.

Raspberry Day: Cavernoma Awareness and Treatment Options

The world’s first Raspberry Day was held on 20 September 2025, raising awareness of cavernomas and supporting those who are affected.

In the UK, around one in every 600 people is thought to be living with an undetected cavernoma, while about one person in 400,000 is diagnosed after experiencing symptoms.

Here we explore what cavernomas are, the treatment options, and the importance of bringing patients, families, and healthcare professionals together on 20 September.

What is a cavernoma?

A cavernoma, sometimes called a cavernous angioma, is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. The fruit analogy is apt because cavernomas form clusters that resemble raspberries. The clusters can vary in size and, while some remain harmless, others can cause serious symptoms such as:

  • Seizures (fits)
  • Neurological issues such as vision disturbances, tremor, slurred speech and dizziness
  • Haemorrhages
  • Cognitive issues, such as poor concentration and memory loss
  • Tiredness and muscle weakness
  • Stroke

The type, duration and severity of the symptoms will vary according to the location, size and number of the cavernomas.

The most serious risk is bleeding (haemorrhage), which can occur because the cell linings of the blood vessels in cavernomas are unusually thin. The bleeds are often too small to cause damage, but severe haemorrhages can be life threatening.

The unpredictability of cavernomas can cause great anxiety. Some people live symptom-free for years, while others may suddenly develop complications.

This is why awareness and education are crucial; not only for patients, but also for clinicians and policymakers who shape access to treatment.

Why Raspberry Day matters

Raspberry Day is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents:

  • Visibility –Many people, even within healthcare, are unfamiliar with cavernomas. An awareness day ensures the condition is part of broader neurological conversations.
  • Community –Support networks reduce isolation for patients and families navigating an often frightening diagnosis.
  • Action –Events, fundraisers, and publicity can drive research funding, improve treatment access, and ensure patient voices are heard at the policy level.

By bringing cavernomas into the public eye, Raspberry Day helps to demystify the condition, empowers patients, and encourages conversations about treatment options that may once have been overlooked.

Treatment options for cavernomas

The approach to treating cavernomas varies depending on their size, location, and symptoms. In some cases, doctors may recommend monitoring with regular scans, particularly if the cavernoma is not causing symptoms.

However, when intervention is required, there are two main approaches:

  • Conventional Neurosurgery:Involves opening the skull to surgically remove the cavernoma. While effective, this approach carries risks due to its invasive nature, particularly when the cavernoma is located deep within the brain.
  • Gamma Knife Surgery:A non-invasive, highly precise form of stereotactic radiosurgery. Despite the name, no knife is involved. Instead, Gamma Knife uses focused beams of radiation to target the cavernoma, reducing its risk of bleeding while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

How Gamma Knife Surgery helps cavernoma patients

Gamma Knife surgery has become an important tool in the treatment of cavernomas, especially when open surgery is not feasible. Its benefits include:

  • Non-invasive treatment –No incisions, no stitches, and no general anaesthetic required.
  • Precision targeting –Healthy brain tissue is preserved, lowering the risk of side effects.
  • Shorter recovery –Patients typically return home the same day, avoiding long hospital stays.
  • Reduced risk of haemorrhage –By gradually changing the abnormal blood vessels, Gamma Knife lowers the chance of future bleeds.

For many patients, Gamma Knife is a life-changing procedure, especially those who may have been told their cavernoma was “inoperable” due to its location.

Towards a better understanding of cavernomas

Raspberry Day, to be held every September 20, will now be a cornerstone of cavernoma awareness. It’s an opportunity for patients, families, and professionals to unite under one cause: making life with cavernomas safer and more manageable.

For providers of advanced neurosurgical techniques such as Gamma Knife surgery, it’s also a chance to reaffirm a commitment to patient-centred care, innovation, and education.

The more people who understand the realities of cavernomas, the better equipped we are to ensure timely diagnosis, compassionate support, and access to the most effective treatments available.

Patient Safety And Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Our Commitment

The World Health Organisation marks World Patient Safety Day on 17 September 2025. The theme for this year is “Patient safety from the start!”, and the day aims to bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers and patients to raise awareness and reduce preventable harm in healthcare.

At Amethyst Radiotherapy, we’d like to take this opportunity to highlight our commitment to precise, safe and tailored treatments for every one of our patients. We specialise in Gamma Knife radiosurgery at our Centres of Excellence in London and Sheffield, which offers a non-invasive alternative to open surgery.

For people living with neurological conditions such as brain tumours, arteriovenous malformations, or trigeminal neuralgia, Gamma Knife may be recommended as the most suitable treatment option. Here’s a look at how our treatment planning, imaging, and delivery all prioritise patient safety.

Sub-milimetre accuracy to minimise risk

Unlike traditional surgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery does not involve incisions. Instead, it uses multiple beams of highly focused radiation to target a precise area of the brain. Because each individual beam is weak, surrounding healthy tissue receives minimal exposure while the targeted lesion is treated effectively.

This level of accuracy is only possible thanks to:

  • Advanced imaging (MRI and CT scans) that map the brain in three dimensions.
  • Specialised treatment planning software that calculates the safest and most effective radiation dose.
  • Team-based verification by a multidisciplinary teamof neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists to cross-check every stage.

By integrating technology with human oversight, safety is built into the treatment itself.

The patient journey: safety at every step

Careful assessment

Patient safety begins before treatment is ever considered. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates whether Gamma Knife radiosurgery is the right option for each individual. If another therapy would be safer or more effective, we guide patients accordingly.

Imaging and planning

If Gamma Knife is suitable, high-resolution imaging helps define the exact treatment target. This stage is crucial: even a millimetre’s error could affect surrounding healthy brain tissue. Every plan is double-checked by specialists to ensure accuracy.

Treatment day

On the day of treatment, patients are fitted with a stereotactic frame or frameless alternative to keep the head perfectly still. This ensures that the radiation beams converge on precisely the right spot. Safety protocols are followed meticulously, including patient identity verification, treatment plan checks, and equipment calibration.

Post-treatment follow-up

Safety doesn’t end once the treatment is delivered. Patients are monitored afterwards, with follow-up imaging and consultations scheduled to track outcomes and address any side effects.

Learning from broader patient safety principles

Although this year’s World Patient Safety Day theme focuses on newborns and children, the lessons are universal. In both paediatrics and neurosurgery, the same principles apply:

  • Individualised care –tailoring treatment to each patient’s unique needs.
  • Family and caregiver engagement –keeping loved ones informed and involved in decisions.
  • System-wide vigilance – building safety into every stage of care, not just the operating room or treatment suite.

By embracing these principles, Gamma Knife radiosurgery reflects the very ethos of safe care from the start.

Patient safety builds trust

For people facing neurological conditions, the idea of brain surgery, whether open or radiosurgical, can feel daunting. That is why transparency about safety is so important. We believe that when patients and families understand the safeguards in place, they can approach treatment with confidence and peace of mind.

Patient safety from the start

World Patient Safety Day is a reminder that healthcare is not only about the final outcome; it is about protecting patients from harm at every stage. Our comprehensive approach to Gamma Knife radiosurgery demonstrates this principle in action: from careful patient selection and precision imaging to meticulous treatment planning and ongoing follow-up.

By combining advanced technology with rigorous safety systems, we ensure that patients receive care that is not only effective but also safe from the very start.

If you would like to learn more about Gamma Knife surgery at our Centres of Excellence in London or Sheffield, please contact a member of our team today.

World Radiotherapy Day And The Role Of Gamma Knife Surgery

This year, the world celebrated the inaugural World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD) on 7 September. This new awareness day is dedicated to highlighting the vital role that radiotherapy plays in treating cancer, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life.

Its theme, “One Voice for Radiotherapy”, reflected the importance of multidisciplinary teams working together to provide the best care for patients.

At Amethyst Radiotherapy, our expert clinicians have decades of experience of transforming the lives of those with brain tumours and other complex neurological conditions.

At our Centres of Excellence in London and Sheffield, we specialise in Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, a precise, non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery. Here’s a look at what’s involved, and who can benefit from it.

What is Gamma Knife radiotherapy?

Despite the name, Gamma Knife treatment involves no incision, and no general anaesthetic. Instead, it delivers hundreds of tiny beams of gamma radiation from an external machine, all focused with pinpoint accuracy on a single target within the brain.

Each individual beam is harmless to the healthy tissue it passes through, but at the point where they converge, they deliver a powerful therapeutic dose.

This precision makes Gamma Knife treatment especially effective for patients with:

The result is a treatment that can control or shrink abnormal tissue, reduce symptoms, and avoid many of the risks and recovery challenges associated with open neurosurgery.

The patient experience

For the vast majority of patients, the Gamma Knife experience is painless and straightforward. The procedure is carried out in a single session, often lasting just a few hours. Patients remain awake throughout and the downtime is minimal, with most able to return home the same day.

Compared to conventional surgery, the benefits are clear:

  • No incision, no stitches, no scarring
  • Minimal risk of infection or bleeding
  • Rapid recovery time – most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours
  • Preservation of healthy tissue, due to extreme accuracy

For people who might not be suitable candidates for conventional surgery due to age, health conditions, or the delicate location of their tumour, Gamma Knife radiotherapy can be a life-changing option.

A multidisciplinary approach

The theme of WRAD – “One Voice for Radiotherapy” – could not be more relevant to Gamma Knife treatment. Success depends on a team of multidisciplinary specialists working closely together. Neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and clinical nurse specialists all play critical roles, from imaging and treatment planning to delivery and follow-up care.

This collaborative model ensures that patients receive a highly personalised treatment plan tailored to their condition and overall health needs. It also reflects the broader vision of WRAD: different voices and areas of expertise combining to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

The multidisciplinary approach doesn’t stop after your treatment ends: you will be able to access a variety of healthcare professionals to support your recovery, if needed. For example, if your condition has affected your language or speaking skills, you may be referred to a speech and language therapist.

A physiotherapist helps patients who may have developed problems with muscle coordination and balance, while an occupational therapist can help patients to prepare for a return to work or manage their everyday activities.

This holistic approach helps you to feel more confident and reassured throughout the whole treatment, recovery and rehabilitation process.

Breaking down myths about radiotherapy

Despite decades of progress, some myths still persist about radiotherapy. Many people associate it solely with cancer treatment, or think that it always has harsh side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. Gamma Knife radiosurgery does not fit with these assumptions.

Because of its precision, Gamma Knife treatment typically does not cause hair loss, nor does it expose the whole body to radiation. Side effects, if they occur, are usually mild and temporary, such as localised swelling or tiredness. For patients and their families, this reassurance is invaluable.

The next steps

The establishment of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day marks a significant step in recognising radiotherapy as a cornerstone of modern medicine. For neurological patients, the availability of Gamma Knife technology represents the cutting edge of that progress.

At Amethyst Radiotherapy, we are committed to making Gamma Knife surgery as effective and accessible as possible. If you or a loved one is living with a neurological condition and would like to learn more, our specialist team is here to provide guidance and support.

Who Is A Suitable Candidate For Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?

When faced with a diagnosis of a neurological condition such as a brain tumour, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), or trigeminal neuralgia, working out the best treatment pathway can be complex. Your multidisciplinary team will make every effort to involve you in the decision-making process and help you to understand your options.

In some cases, traditional open brain surgery may be the first line of defence. It can be effective for removing large masses, but it is also an invasive and higher risk procedure with a long recovery time. For some patients, Gamma Knife surgery may be a safer, quicker and more effective alternative.

Understanding who may benefit from it (and who might not) is an important step to making informed decisions about your care.

How Gamma Knife radiosurgery works

Despite its name, Gamma Knife is not “surgery” in the traditional sense. It is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a non-invasive procedure that uses highly focused beams of radiation to target abnormal tissue in the brain with remarkable accuracy.

The treatment relies on advanced imaging and planning to deliver hundreds of tiny radiation beams that converge at a single point inside the brain. The cumulative dose is strong enough to treat the abnormality while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Unlike open surgery, there are no incisions, and patients typically go home the same day.

This combination of precision, safety, and convenience makes Gamma Knife an attractive option, but careful patient selection remains key to a successful outcome.

Conditions commonly treated with Gamma Knife

Gamma Knife is often considered for patients with:

  • Benign and malignant brain tumours – such as meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and brain metastases.
  • Vascular malformations – including AVMs and cavernous malformations.
  • Functional disorders –most notably trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition.
  • Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas) –tumours affecting balance and hearing.
  • Recurrent or residual tumours –where previous surgery or radiation has not fully resolved the issue.

Who makes a good candidate?

Whether a patient is suitable for Gamma Knife radiosurgery depends on several factors:

Size and location of the target

Gamma Knife is most effective for small to medium-sized lesions, usually less than three to four cm in diameter. Lesions located deep within the brain or close to vital structures may actually be better suited to Gamma Knife than open surgery, since precision targeting reduces the risk of collateral damage.

Type of condition

Certain conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia or small brain metastases, respond particularly well to radiosurgery. On the other hand, very large tumours or those requiring immediate decompression may not be appropriate.

Overall health and surgical risk

For patients who are elderly, have multiple medical conditions, or are not fit for traditional surgery, Gamma Knife offers a safer, non-invasive alternative. The procedure does not require general anaesthesia, making it suitable for patients who might otherwise be high-risk surgical candidates.

Previous treatments

Gamma Knife is often considered when surgery, chemotherapy, or conventional radiotherapy have not been fully successful, or when additional intervention is needed for tumour regrowth.

Patient goals and lifestyle

Some patients prioritise shorter recovery times and the ability to return quickly to daily life. For those who want to avoid the downtime associated with open surgery, Gamma Knife is often appealing.

Who might not be suitable?

Not all patients are suitable candidates. Gamma Knife may not be recommended if:

  • The tumour or lesion is too large.
  • Widespread disease requires whole-brain radiation.
  • The abnormality is located in an area unsuitable for safe targeting.
  • The patient has a condition requiring urgent surgical removal.

In such cases, neurosurgeons may recommend other forms of treatment, or a combination of therapies.

The role of the multidisciplinary team

Decisions about radiosurgery are rarely made by a single specialist. Instead, care is guided by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neurologists, and radiologists. Together, they review the patient’s medical history, imaging scans, and overall health to determine the safest and most effective approach.

This team-based evaluation ensures that patients receive treatment tailored to their individual needs.

The patient experience

For those who are good candidates, Gamma Knife offers several advantages:

  • Outpatient treatment –no hospital stay is typically required.
  • Minimal discomfort – most patients experience little to no pain.
  • Rapid recovery –many return to normal activities within days.
  • Precision and safety –sparing healthy brain tissue reduces the risk of side effects.

While results may take weeks or months to appear, many patients benefit significantly from this focused, non-invasive treatment. If you would like to find out more information, please contact our team today.

Understanding Key Terms You Might Hear During A Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with a neurological condition is a position that no one wants to be in. The shock and disruption to your daily life can be tough to deal with, and at the same time you will be faced with a lot of medical terminology that might be unfamiliar and intimidating.

Our specialist teams at our Gamma Knife centres in London and Sheffield understand the importance of helping patients feel well-informed and reassured at this difficult time. We have highly trained clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who will be your first point of contact, and are able to explain your diagnosis in clear language.

However, words such as “lesion”, “tumour” and “mass” that you might hear or read about during your diagnosis can be alarming. Here’s a closer look at what they mean, and some other terms you might hear.

What is a “lesion”?

In medical language, a lesion simply means an area of abnormal tissue. It doesn’t automatically mean “cancer” or even “tumour.” Lesions can be caused by many different things, such as infection, inflammation, injury, or abnormal growth of blood vessels.

Think of the word “lesion” as a broad umbrella term: it describes that something looks different from normal on a scan, but is not a specific diagnosis. Further tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may be required to help doctors understand the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Examples of brain lesions that are not tumours:

  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs):tangles of abnormal blood vessels in the brain that can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Cavernomas:clusters of small, abnormal blood vessels that may cause seizures or headaches. They’re sometimes known as cavernous angiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, or cerebral cavernous malformation.
  • Areas of scarring (gliosis):often left after injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis.
  • Inflammatory lesions:for example, patches of inflammation in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
  • Cysts: fluid-filled sacs that can show up on scans but are not cancerous.

All of these are considered “lesions,” but they are not tumours, and may or may not require treatment.

What is a “mass”?

The term “mass” is another word that can sound frightening, but again, it doesn’t automatically mean something dangerous. A mass simply means a lump or collection of tissue that looks different from surrounding tissue.

A mass may be benign (not cancerous), such as a meningioma (a common type of non-cancerous brain tumour). A mass may also be malignant (cancerous), meaning the cells can grow and spread more aggressively. Sometimes, what appears as a “mass” on a scan may turn out to be a cyst filled with fluid.

The word “mass” is descriptive rather than diagnostic — it tells doctors something is there, but not yet what it is.

Benign vs. malignant: the key difference

These two terms are often used to describe brain tumours or growths:

  • Benign tumours grow slowly, usually stay in one place, and do not spread to other parts of the body. While they can still cause symptoms (because the skull is a tight space and any growth can put pressure on the brain), they are not cancerous.
  • Malignant tumours are cancerous. They tend to grow faster, may spread, and usually require more urgent or intensive treatment.

Understanding this difference helps patients see why a diagnosis of a benign tumour may still require direct treatment, or it may be managed with a “watch and wait” approach of careful monitoring. The patient will usually have regular MRI scans, and the results will be carefully analysed for any sign that the tumour or lesion is growing or causing issues.

Other terms you might hear

When discussing diagnosis and treatment, doctors often use terms that are second nature to them but unfamiliar to patients. Here are a few you might come across:

  • Primary tumour:A tumour that starts in the brain rather than spreading from elsewhere in the body.
  • Metastasis (or secondary tumour):A cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body, such as the lung or breast.
  • Invasive vs. non-invasive:Invasive procedures involve surgery and entry into the body. Non-invasive, such as Gamma Knife treatment, does not involve cutting, stitches, or a hospital stay.
  • Radiosurgery:Despite the name, no scalpel is used. It refers to highly precise radiation beams used to treat abnormal tissue. This is a type of radiotherapy, delivered very precisely in one session in most cases.

Hearing these terms without explanation can leave patients feeling anxious or confused. That’s why we believe clear communication is essential in healthcare, to help patients and families focus on understanding their condition and make informed decisions about treatment.

Glossary Of Common Neurology Terms For Brain Tumour Patients

Receiving a brain tumour diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming. It might be a relief to have some answers for the troubling and unexplained symptoms you have been experiencing, but no doubt it also raises a new set of questions. Your medical team will do their best to answer these in clear language with no jargon.

However, the more you know about your condition, the more reassured and confident you will feel to make well-informed decisions about the next steps. Knowledge helps to diffuse fear and it can make your treatment pathway less stressful.

You can always refer to your dedicated clinical nurse specialist for tailored advice, but it’s always useful to have extra resources for those times when you feel daunted by unfamiliar medical terms.

That’s why our team, who specialise in Gamma Knife surgery, have put together a glossary of common neurology and brain tumour terms, explained in plain, simple English.

A–Z of common neurology and brain tumour terms

Benign

A benign brain tumour is non-cancerous and doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. However, it’s important to remember that even a benign tumour in the brain can cause life-altering symptoms if it’s pressing on an important area of the brain. In this case, it may be necessary to undergo treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure where a specialist doctor will take a small sample of tumour tissue using a hollow needle. This will be sent for microscopic examination to help confirm the diagnosis and type of brain tumour.

Brain metastases

In some cases, cancer can spread from elsewhere in the body to the brain. This is sometimes also called secondary brain cancer, and is a more advanced type of cancer. The most common types of primary cancer (where the cancer first started) associated with brain tumours include lung, breast, bowel and kidney cancer.

CT scan

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a type of X-ray that is used to create detailed images of the inside of your head. It combines multiple images from different angles to build up a 3D image, and enables doctors to confirm the precise location, size and shape of the tumour. This will inform future treatment decisions.

Gamma Knife surgery

Despite the name, this is a form of treatment that doesn’t involve a knife. It is a highly focused form of radiosurgery that uses targeted radiation beams to control or stop the growth of abnormal cells.

It’s usually delivered in one session, and the patient can go home on the same day. It’s most suitable for treating smaller tumours with clearly defined boundaries.

Glioma

A type of brain tumour that starts in the glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells in the brain. Glioblastomas are one of the most common types of brain tumour.

Lesion

A general medical word for an abnormal area seen on a scan. It doesn’t always mean cancer – it could be a tumour, scar tissue, or another type of change.

Malignant

A malignant tumour is cancerous. These tumours can grow quickly and sometimes spread to other parts of the brain or body.

Metastasis

When a cancer cell breaks away from its original site (for example, breast cancer) and grows in a new location, such as the brain.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A type of scan that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the brain. Often used to diagnose and monitor brain tumours.

Neurosurgeon

A doctor who specialises in surgery of the brain and nervous system. Even if you’re not having open surgery, a neurosurgeon may still be part of your treatment team.

Oncologist

A doctor who specialises in cancer treatment. If your tumour is malignant, an oncologist may help plan your care.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

A scan that shows how active different parts of the brain are. Doctors sometimes use it to see how fast a tumour is growing.

Radiosurgery

A type of treatment that uses highly focused radiation beams instead of a scalpel. Gamma Knife is one of the most advanced forms of radiosurgery.

Stereotactic

This word means precisely targeted in three dimensions. When doctors say “stereotactic radiosurgery,” they mean radiation beams are aimed with pinpoint accuracy at the tumour while avoiding healthy brain tissue.

Tumour grade

Tumours are graded from 1 (slow-growing, less aggressive) to 4 (fast-growing, more aggressive). The grade helps doctors decide the best treatment.

For further information

This glossary can be a useful reference, although you will also be supported by your healthcare team at every stage. If you’d like some more detailed information about Gamma Knife surgery and the conditions it can treat, please get in touch with us today.

Understanding Types Of Brain Tumour : Benign Vs. Malignant

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is a life-changing moment. You might feel overwhelmed or in shock, and it will take time for you to adjust to the situation. It’s natural to feel uneasy about hospitals, but your medical team will do everything they can to help you feel confident and well-informed about the next steps.

Your first point of contact will be your clinical nurse specialist. They will be able to answer any questions you may have, and will help to explain complex medical terms in plain language. Your neurosurgeon or oncologist might have described your brain tumour as “benign” or “malignant”. Here’s a closer look at what these terms mean.

What is a brain tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells inside the brain (or sometimes close to the brain). Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled way. A tumour develops when this process goes wrong and cells grow when they shouldn’t.

Brain tumours can start in the brain itself (known as primary brain tumours) or spread from another part of the body (secondary brain tumours, also called metastases).

Benign vs malignant: the key difference

The words benign and malignant describe how a tumour behaves, not just what it looks like.

Benign tumours

  • Non-cancerous –  the cells don’t spread to other parts of the brain or body.
  • Usually grow more slowly.
  • Can still cause problems, because the brain is enclosed inside the skull. Even a slow-growing mass can press on important brain areas and cause symptoms.
  • Examples include meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, and some pituitary adenomas.

Malignant tumours

  • Cancerous – the cells can grow quickly and invade surrounding brain tissue.
  • More likely to come back after treatment.
  • May spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord, but rarely outside the nervous system.
  • Examples include glioblastomas and some astrocytomas.

It’s important to understand that even a benign tumour in the wrong place can be dangerous and might require urgent treatment, while some malignant tumours might be small and treatable if caught early.

Why location often matters more than size or type of tumour

Even a small growth can press on critical areas that control speech, movement, vision, or personality. This is why doctors often focus as much on where the tumour is as they do on whether it’s benign or malignant.

Common symptoms of brain tumours

While symptoms vary depending on the tumour’s type and location, they can include:

  • Persistent headaches (often worse in the morning)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in vision or hearing
  • Weakness or numbness in part of the body
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Seizures
  • Changes in mood or personality

If you experience these symptoms —  especially if they are new, worsening, or unexplained —  it’s important to see a doctor promptly.

How brain tumours are diagnosed

Doctors usually start with a neurological exam and then use imaging tests such as:

  • MRI scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for detailed brain pictures
  • CT scans for a quicker overview
  • In some cases, a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample) is needed to confirm if the tumour is benign or malignant.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on several factors: the tumour’s type, size, location, and whether it’s benign or malignant.

Traditional brain surgery

Known as craniotomy, this involves physically removing as much of the tumour as possible. It’s often the first choice for large or fast growing accessible tumours causing disruptive symptoms.

Radiation therapy

This involves using high-energy beams to target tumour cells. It is useful for tumours that can’t be fully removed or for malignant types that may return.

Gamma Knife surgery

Despite the name, Gamma Knife surgery involves no knives at all. It’s a form of stereotactic radiosurgery —  a highly precise type of radiation treatment that focuses multiple beams of gamma rays on the tumour.

Key benefits:

  • No incisions –  treatment is done without opening the skull.
  • High accuracy –  the surrounding healthy brain tissue is spared as much as possible.
  • One-day procedure –  most patients go home the same day.

It may be considered suitable for smaller benign tumours (such as acoustic neuromas or pituitary adenomas) and certain malignant tumours or brain metastases. This technique is especially valuable for tumours in areas that are difficult or risky to reach with traditional surgery.

Chemotherapy

Cancer-fighting drugs may be used for certain malignant brain tumours, often alongside other treatments.

Benign and malignant brain tumours differ in how they grow and behave, but both can affect health and quality of life depending on their location. Understanding these terms and the treatment options available, from traditional surgery to non-invasive methods, can replace some of the fear with knowledge.

If you would like more information about Gamma Knife surgery, please contact our team today.

Gamma Knife Surgery And Radiosurgery: What’s The Difference?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, vascular malformation, or neurological condition, you may be exploring various treatment options. During your research or discussions with your medical team, you might have heard terms such as ‘radiosurgery’, ‘stereotactic radiosurgery’, or ‘Gamma Knife radiosurgery.’

They might sound similar, but understanding the differences can empower you to make a well-informed decision about your treatment. It also helps to demystify the process of treating neurological conditions at a time that patients and their families may find distressing and overwhelming. 

Here’s a look at the key distinctions between them.

What is radiosurgery?

Radiosurgery isn’t a traditional type of surgery in that it doesn’t involve making incisions with a scalpel. Instead, it’s a non-invasive medical procedure that uses precisely targeted beams of radiation to treat abnormalities in the brain or spine. It may also be used to treat conditions in other parts of the body. 

The aim of traditional open surgery is to physically remove as much of the tumour or lesion as possible, whereas radiosurgery is designed to disrupt the ability of abnormal cells to grow. 

Radiosurgery for brain tumours is usually considered as a treatment option when a physical operation is not possible, which may be due to the health of the patient or the type, size or location of the tumour. It may also be used after traditional surgery to destroy any remaining abnormal tissue.

Radiosurgery is most often an option to treat:

  • Benign and malignant brain tumours
  • Brain metastases
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Acoustic neuromas
  • Pituitary adenomas
  • Certain spinal conditions

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a form of radiotherapy that uses very tightly focused beams of radiation at a higher dose than is used for standard radiosurgery. This means that the treatment is more accurately targeted, and the risk of damaging the surrounding healthy brain tissue is minimised. 

Another advantage of SRS is that it is usually delivered in one single treatment, rather than multiple sessions across a number of weeks. This minimises the stress and disruption of the treatment for patients and their families. 

SRS is most suited to treating small tumours that are in an easily accessible part of the brain. It may not be suitable for larger tumours or those without clearly defined boundaries, such as gliomas.

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of SRS that has been specifically developed to treat conditions in the brain, head and neck. The term ‘knife’ refers to the precision and accuracy of the radiation beams rather than a surgical knife. 

Gamma Knife technology was invented in 1967 by Swedish neurosurgeon Dr. Lars Leksell, who also coined the term “radiosurgery.” Since then, it has come to be regarded as one of the safest and most effective tools for treating small to medium-sized brain lesions. 

The Gamma Knife machine delivers up to 192 beams of gamma radiation from multiple angles, that are targeted with sub-millimetre accuracy to converge on the site of the tumour or lesion. Individually, each beam is too weak to cause damage as it crosses the brain tissue, but collectively they are powerful enough to destroy abnormal cells. 

Which treatment is right for you?

The best treatment option depends on your condition, the size and location of the lesion, your general health, and the availability of technologies at your treatment centre. 

For small brain tumours, AVMs, and trigeminal neuralgia, Gamma Knife is often the preferred choice. Larger or irregular-shaped lesions may require traditional open surgery, or another form of stereotactic radiotherapy to reduce risk to surrounding tissues.

Your specialist team – usually including a neurosurgeon, oncologist, and radiologist – will help determine the most appropriate option based on clinical evidence and your specific needs.

At Amethyst Radiotherapy, we have specialist medical teams who care for patients with brain tumours and other neurological conditions at the UK’s only dedicated NHS approved Gamma Knife centres. These include Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London, and Thornbury Radiosurgery Centre in Sheffield. 

 

If you would like to find out more about Gamma Knife treatment, please contact us today.

The Story Of How Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Was Developed

Gamma Knife surgery is an innovative type of stereotactic radiosurgery, which uses gamma rays to treat certain types of brain tumours and other neurological conditions. It can be used as an alternative to risky and invasive open surgery using a scalpel, or to remove pieces of tumour that couldn’t be removed with traditional surgery.

This advanced technology has saved, improved or extended the lives of many people who are living with brain conditions. 

Here’s a look at who invented the Gamma Knife technique and how it was introduced to hospitals around the world, including our Centres of Excellence at Queen Square in London and Thornbury in Sheffield. 

The remarkable Prof Lars Leksell

The story begins in Sweden in the 1950s, when Professor Borje Larsson (a physicist) of the Gustaf Werner Institute, University of Uppsala, and Professor Lars Leksell (a neurosurgeon) at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm began to investigate ways to treat brain disorders without the risky process of opening up the skull.

The first attempt involved combining proton beams with stereotactic devices to target areas in the brain. The approach proved to be unworkable, but it led to the development of the first prototype Gamma Knife device in 1967. It was not used to treat brain tumours, but patients with pain or movement disorders. 

The concept of the device was to use cobalt-60 as an energy source to produce multiple beams of gamma radiation, which were directed at a target in the brain from various angles. By itself, each beam was too weak to cause any harm to the brain cells, but when they converged, the combined energy was enough to destroy abnormal tissue. 

The effect was to block the abnormal nerve impulses that caused symptoms such as tremor or pain. Professor Leksell realised the potential of the technique for treating brain tumours, and he went on to develop a second version of the machine to do this in 1975. The first unit was installed at the Karolinska institute, and was successfully used to treat brain tumours.

During the 1980s, further Gamma Knife units went on to be installed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Sheffield, England, at The National Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery. The technique was pioneering due to being minimally invasive, extremely precise, and safer than conventional surgical techniques.

The conditions treated with early Gamma Knife surgery

Gamma Knife was used to treat brain conditions that were considered too difficult or risky to access surgically. These included arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are tangled blood vessels that can disrupt the flow of oxygen to the brain tissues. Sometimes AVMs do not cause symptoms, but there is a risk of haemorrhage.

AVMs can also cause a range of symptoms including headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, vision problems, cognitive difficulties and muscle weakness. Gamma Knife was also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a debilitating facial pain disorder, and benign brain tumours such as acoustic neuromas. 

The continuing development of Gamma Knife

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the technology of Gamma Knife continued to evolve, alongside the conditions it could treat. A US neurosurgeon named Dr. L. Dade Lunsford was an early adopter of the device, and he headed up the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which became a leader in Gamma Knife research and training. 

Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan technology led to the development of more sophisticated and accurate treatments, resulting in greater levels of efficacy and safety. The type of conditions it can treat also expanded to include metastatic brain tumours, pituitary tumours and some types of paediatric cases.

2000s onwards

The 2000s brought further developments, including new models of Gamma Knife machines that could treat multiple brain lesions in a single session. Some models were introduced that operated with frameless systems, replacing the metal head frame with a custom-fitted mask. Most patients could be treated as outpatients and return home on the same day. 

Today, Gamma Knife treatment is safer, more accurate and more effective than ever, and continues to evolve. AI technology and robotics are being integrated into the treatment planning and operative stage, for a more personalised approach that is backed by sophisticated data analysis and advanced imaging analysis.

If you would like to find out more information about Gamma Knife surgery, please get in touch with our team today.