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. 

What Does ‘Non-Invasive’ Really Mean In Brain Treatment?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, then you are probably encountering many previously unfamiliar medical terms during discussions with your healthcare team. This can be a lot to take in, particularly at a time when you also have difficult or overwhelming practical and emotional issues to deal with.

While your medical team will make every effort to avoid jargon and communicate in plain language, it’s not always easy to take everything in straight away. One term that might be used to describe certain treatment options is “non-invasive.” But what exactly does this mean, particularly in relation to such a complex operation as brain surgery?

Here’s a closer look at what is meant by the term “non-invasive brain surgery.”

The meaning of “non-invasive” in medical terminology

In simple terms, a non-invasive procedure refers to a medical intervention that doesn’t involve breaking the skin (i.e. making an incision with a scalpel) or inserting an object into the body. There are some nuances to the definition, and in some cases you might hear the term “minimally invasive” used as an alternative where some small intrusion is needed.

Traditional brain surgery is an invasive procedure, because it involves physical intrusion into the brain. The skull must be opened to enable the neurosurgeon to reach the tumour or malformation and physically remove it. This might be considered the most effective course of action in some cases, but it carries significant risks and has a long recovery time.

However, there are possible treatment options, specifically radiotherapy and Gamma Knife radiosurgery, that do not involve any cutting or physical intrusion into the head or neck.

Non-invasive brain surgery: radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the most common form of non-invasive brain surgery. It involves delivering radiation beams from an external machine that are targeted as closely as possible on the site of the tumour (it’s sometimes also referred to as “external beam radiotherapy”). The radiation destroys, shrinks or slows the growth of the tumour cells.

Standard radiotherapy is sometimes described as “fractionated” because it is delivered in fractions, or several small doses over a number of weeks. The patient will usually not need to stay overnight at the treatment centre, but will have to make daily journeys between Monday and Friday, with rest days at the weekend.

Non-invasive brain surgery: stereotactic radiotherapy

External beam radiotherapy and stereotactic techniques sit on a spectrum but stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is a more specialist type of radiosurgery that involves using very precisely focused beams of radiation at a higher intensity than standard radiosurgery.

This has the advantage of greater accuracy and shorter delivery times. Often, the patient will only require one treatment session and can travel home on the same day.

One of the most advanced forms of SRT is Gamma Knife surgery. Don’t be confused by the name: this doesn’t involve any knives. The term “knife” is used to convey the high degree of accuracy involved in targeting the tumour cells. Hundreds of highly focused beams are directed from multiple angles to converge at the target and address the tumour.

The sub-milimetre accuracy means that the healthy tissue surrounding the brain is untouched by radiation, significantly reducing the risk of side effects. The radiation beams are too weak to damage brain tissue on their own, but when they merge at the tumour site they are powerful enough to damage or slow down the growth of abnormal cells.

Who is best suited to non-invasive brain surgery?

Non-invasive brain surgery is usually considered for smaller tumours that are in an accessible part of the brain. It may not be suitable for:

  • Large tumours that cause significant pressure on the brain
  • Tumours that are spreading rapidly
  • Tumours without clearly defined boundaries, such as gliomas
  • Certain emergencies where rapid intervention is required

What are the advantages of non-invasive treatment?

If a non-invasive treatment such as Gamma Knife is recommended for you, there are several advantages that it can be useful to be aware of. These include:

  • Lower risk: There’s no risk of bleeding or infection of wounds. There’s also a lower risk of complications and serious side effects compared to open surgery.
  • Faster recovery: Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two. No general anaesthetic is required and you can usually go home the same day, although circumstances may differ by case.
  • Less disruption:Because the treatment is outpatient, you won’t have to take long off work or away from your normal life. Most Gamma Knife patients won’t lose their hair as a result of the radiation.

Each patient will be treated on a case by case basis, and your medical team will provide you with expert guidance on your most suitable treatment options based on 3D scans, your medical history, the size and type of your tumour, and other factors.

If you’d like some more information about Gamma Knife surgery, please contact us today. 

Gamma Knife Surgery For Brain Tumour Treatment: An Overview

If you are unfamiliar with Gamma Knife surgery, you might assume that it’s a procedure involving scalpels, a high level of risk and long recovery times. However, despite the name, it does not involve any incisions with a knife. Here’s a look at exactly what Gamma Knife is, how it works and what conditions it treats. 

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery that uses focused beams of gamma radiation to target abnormal tissue with pinpoint accuracy. Compared to open brain surgery, it’s a non-invasive treatment, and in most cases no general anaesthetic is required. Recovery time is minimal, and most patients can go home the same day. 

The name ‘Gamma Knife’ refers to the precision of the procedure, rather than a literal surgical knife. 

How does it work?

The Gamma Knife machine delivers up to 192 tiny beams of gamma radiation from different angles that intersect at a single target inside the brain. Individually, each beam is too weak to harm healthy brain tissue, but at the intersection point, the combined radiation is powerful enough to damage or destroy abnormal cells. 

Gamma Knife surgery is often used to treat brain tumours or lesions that are in a hard-to-reach position, or if the patient is unable to undergo regular neurosurgery. It can also be used to treat any parts of a tumour that couldn’t be removed by open surgery.  

What type of conditions can be treated?

Gamma Knife can treat both benign and malignant brain tumours, and other small nerve and blood vessel abnormalities. 

Brain tumours

The most common types of brain tumour treated with Gamma Knife surgery are meningiomas, acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas), pituitary adenomas and metastatic brain tumours (that have spread from a primary cancer elsewhere in the body, most often from the breast, lung or melanoma).  

Vascular conditions

Arteriovenous malformations, which are tangled blood vessels in the brain that pose a risk of bleeding, can sometimes be treated with Gamma Knife.

Neurological disorders

Gamma Knife can also treat rare neurological disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal autonomic cephalgias, and chronic cluster headache. It’s also an emerging treatment for essential tremor and some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

What are the benefits of Gamma Knife surgery?

For many patients, Gamma Knife is a safer and more effective alternative to open surgery. It is a non-invasive procedure without the high surgical risks of infection, bleeding, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. It is usually performed as a day procedure, and most patients are able to resume their usual activities within a day or two. 

Advanced MRI contour profiling techniques are used to create an extremely accurate 3D image of the tumour or lesion, allowing for highly precise delivery of the radiation dose. This minimises the risk of damage to the surrounding tissues that could result in issues such as facial nerve injury.

What to expect during treatment

Gamma Knife treatment typically involves the following steps:

  1. Planning and imaging

You’ll have an MRI or CT scan to precisely locate the area to be treated. This information is used to develop a highly detailed 3D treatment plan.

  1. Head frame or mask

In some cases, a lightweight head frame is used to keep your head perfectly still. In others, a custom-fitted mask is sufficient, depending on the machine and condition being treated.

  1. Treatment

You’ll lie on a comfortable table while the machine delivers the radiation. It’s completely painless, although you might hear some mechanical noises. The entire session may last from 30 minutes to a few hours.

  1. Aftercare

Once finished, you’re typically observed for a short time and can go home the same day. There may be mild fatigue or headache afterward, but most patients recover quickly. 

The future of Gamma Knife treatment

Since the technique was pioneered in the late 1960s, Gamma Knife has stood out as one of the safest and most advanced ways for treating certain types of brain tumour and vascular malformations. The technology continues to evolve, with advances such as AI-driven auto-contouring for even greater precision. 

This reduces the incidences of human error and lowers the risk of inaccuracies. It also speeds up the treatment timeline, helping patients to access potentially life-saving treatment sooner, and minimising the stress and uncertainty of living with a brain tumour. 

If you would like to find out more about Gamma Knife surgery at our sites at Queen Square in London or Thornbury in Sheffield, please contact our team today.

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How AI Is Reshaping Neurosurgery: A Podcast with Mr Patrick Grover

Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding fields in medicine, requiring not only intricate diagnostic expertise but also swift, highly precise treatment. As the volume of clinical data and advanced technologies such as Gamma Knife surgery continue to expand, the way we interpret and apply this information is undergoing a significant transformation. Historically, this interpretation relied almost entirely on human judgement — but that is changing.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic systems are now beginning to reshape neurosurgical practice. While the high-stakes nature of the discipline initially slowed AI adoption, recent years have seen remarkable progress, led by specialists who understand both the technological and clinical complexities involved.

Leading the Change: Mr Patrick Grover

At the forefront of this transformation is Mr Patrick Grover, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Clinical Director at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) and the Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre. Specialising in skull-base and vascular neurosurgery, he also leads research into how AI technologies can be used to improve surgical outcomes, operative training, and decision-making pathways.

In a recent podcast interview with Future Medicine AI (FMAI), Mr Grover explored how artificial intelligence is transitioning from theoretical promise to practical application in clinical neurosurgery. The conversation highlights three major areas where AI is making a real impact:

1. Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Clinical Insights

One major challenge in modern medicine is the sheer volume of unstructured clinical documentation. Mr Grover’s team is applying natural language processing (NLP) to extract meaningful insights from anonymised patient notes. These tools can reveal hidden patterns in clinical histories, helping to refine risk assessments, guide diagnosis, and personalise treatment pathways.

Importantly, Mr Grover emphasises the ongoing challenge of accessing well-annotated datasets – a prerequisite for effective training of AI models – while ensuring that patient confidentiality is preserved at all stages.

2. Computer Vision and Video-Based Learning

Another exciting area of development is the use of computer vision in operative video analysis. By teaching AI systems to interpret surgical footage, Mr Grover and his colleagues aim to provide real-time procedural support and post-operative feedback. This not only enhances surgical precision but also offers valuable learning tools for neurosurgical training programmes.

Annotated videos can help identify crucial steps in surgery, benchmark performance, and reduce complications – such as facial nerve injury or cerebrospinal fluid leaks – which are risks in delicate cranial procedures.

3. Advanced Imaging Analysis for Treatment Planning

AI is revolutionising how imaging informs neurosurgical treatment. At Queen Square, Mr Grover and his team are using AI to map tumour contours, distinguish tissue types, and guide treatment planning with greater precision.

“We developed an algorithm that can automatically contour benign brain tumours on scans,” explains Mr Grover. “Next, we’re applying it to more complex shapes, like post-operative residuals, and using radiomics to identify tumour features linked to growth or treatment response – helping us build predictive models to guide decision-making.”

By combining imaging data with AI-driven analysis, clinicians can create more accurate, personalised treatment plans – including when and how to use Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

The Role of Transparency and Clinical Oversight

Mr Grover explains that despite the great advancements of AI, it is still essential to maintain a level of clinical oversight. He also emphasises the importance of collaboration, so that worldwide medical centres are sharing research findings and a consistent approach is maintained, and findings can be successfully integrated into current clinical practice. However, he acknowledges that even experts can disagree, and data is often unstructured.

While AI can provide more measured and objective insights, there are still some limitations when it comes to applying technology to highly complex medical procedures. It is crucial that clinicians always understand the reasoning behind AI driven directions so they can be validated, and a high level of transparency is maintained in neurosurgical practice.

Shaping the Future of Neurosurgical Care

AI is no longer limited to academic labs or future-facing white papers. It is now being shaped into functional tools that support safer surgeries, better patient outcomes, and more efficient training systems. For clinicians like Mr Grover, the goal is not to replace surgical expertise but to enhance it with intelligent, accountable systems that work alongside human decision-makers.

Contact the Queen Square team for a consultation to learn more about personalised treatment pathways today.

Why NHS And Private Collaboration Is Key For Complex Care

On 5th July, the National Health Service (NHS) celebrated its 77th anniversary. Since its inception in 1948, it has provided vital healthcare that is free at point of use to millions of UK citizens. While it continues to deliver essential care to millions, it now faces growing pressure from limited budgets, rising demand and workforce shortages.

While still delivering world leading healthcare, the NHS is under huge pressure from stretched budgets, rising demand, ageing populations, and staff shortages. These challenges are particularly acute when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of rare and complex conditions such as brain tumours.

These cases require specialist consultants, multidisciplinary teams and advanced diagnostics and equipment. In today’s NHS, this means that collaboration is playing an increasingly important role. This is why Amethyst Radiotherapy is committed to strengthening its public-private partnerships as part of a long-term strategy.

Here’s a look at how we work together with the NHS to provide world-leading brain tumour treatment.

The challenges of brain tumour care

Brain tumours account for just three per cent of all cancers but, according to the Brain Tumour Charity, just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

This means that the NHS often lacks the specialist knowledge and resources to diagnose and treat brain tumours in a timely manner, or to put in place the most effective treatment pathways for individual patients.

Because they affect relatively few people, GPs can misdiagnose symptoms of brain tumours, leading to the loss of potentially life-extending treatment time. There is also a disparity in access to the best quality care around the UK. Some hospitals may lack staff with experience and expertise in rarer types of tumour, and treatment options are limited.

This is why Amethyst Radiotherapy is committed to working with the NHS to provide first-class care for patients with brain tumours and other neurological conditions at its centres of excellence in Queen Square, London, and Thornbury in Sheffield.

Queen Square, London

The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre is part of the The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), which is the UK’s largest dedicated neurological and neurosurgical hospital. It is a major international Centre of Excellence for Neuroscience teaching, training, and research.

The NHNN is part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Radiosurgery Centre was established in 2012, and became part of the Amethyst Group in 2020.

The combination of specialist technology such as Gamma Knife provided by Amethyst, and the long-standing expertise of the NHNN, results in first class care for rare and complex neurological conditions.

Thornbury, Sheffield

The Thornbury Radiosurgery Centre is located within Circle Health Group Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, and treats both private and NHS patients. Along with Queen Square, it is one of just two National Centres of Excellence in the UK providing specialist treatment for rare and complex neurological conditions.

What is Gamma Knife?

Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive form of stereotactic radiosurgery that doesn’t involve making any incisions with a knife. Instead, it delivers precise gamma radiation to a targeted area of the brain. This destroys the abnormal cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

It’s used to treat some types of brain tumours, vascular malformations and nerve conditions. These can include metastatic, cancerous or benign tumours; arteriovenous malformations (AVMs); trigeminal neuralgia, and acoustic neuromas.

The future of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in healthcare

Amethyst is committed to widening access to excellent healthcare for cancer and complex conditions across Europe and beyond through collaboration with public healthcare systems.

In an era when rapid medical advancements are being made and all public healthcare systems are facing limited budgets, higher patient demand, and more complex illnesses, PPPs can ensure that patients continue to have equal and timely access to the best care available.

The expertise, experience and infrastructure of the NHS, combined with the innovation, leading edge technology, and funding of private groups is helping the healthcare system adapt to the needs of the 21st century.

If you would like to find out more about our brain tumour treatment sites at Queen Square in London or Thornbury in Sheffield, please get in touch with the team today.

Rare Brain Conditions: Why Cavernoma Awareness Month Matters

During June, Cavernoma Awareness Month has been shining a spotlight on a brain condition that is rare. However, it’s estimated that one in every 600 people in the UK has a cavernoma that doesn’t cause symptoms, and every year about 160 people are diagnosed with symptomatic cavernoma.

Many people have never heard of the condition until they, or someone close to them, is diagnosed with it. This can make the shock of a serious health condition even more difficult and distressing to deal with. In fact, awareness of the condition in the medical community was limited until the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the 1980s.

This means that the causes, symptoms and treatment pathways for cavernoma are only just beginning to be widely understood. Over the past four decades, patient groups and healthcare organisations have worked together to create a global knowledge sharing community, and advance research and care of this rare condition.

Understanding cavernomas

Cavernoma, also known as cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), involves clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. It’s not a tumour and is not cancerous, although it can grow bigger over time. One of the major risks of growing cavernomas is blood leakage (haemorrhage) from the weak malformed vessels.

Other serious symptoms of a cavernoma include seizures and neurological defects such as vision disturbances, dizziness, memory and concentration difficulties, and limb weakness. Patients may also experience frequent headaches. The type and severity of the symptoms depend on where the cavernoma is located, and if it is pressing on other parts of the brain.

The causes of cavernoma are not fully understood, but in about 20 per cent of cases it is a hereditary condition that can be caused by a genetic mutation. This most often results in multiple cavernomas forming. Non-hereditary cavernomas are more likely to occur singly, and appear to form by chance.

The challenges of living with a rare condition

Being diagnosed with a cavernoma can sometimes be a long and frustrating journey. Lack of awareness of the condition both among the public and clinicians and symptoms that mimic other conditions can mean that it’s often misdiagnosed. Even after a correct diagnosis, patients can feel isolated, and the treatment pathway can seem complex and daunting.

Coping with life-disrupting symptoms such as seizures, limb weakness and memory loss can be stressful, and patients may not know how to access support and advice. Because it’s a rare condition, GPs and even some neurological specialists may not have much experience of managing them.

Why Cavernoma Awareness Month matters

In common with many brain conditions, cavernoma has historically been under-researched and underfunded. There have only been a limited number of large-scale clinical studies and not a great deal of pharmaceutical investment. This means that the treatment options are currently limited and there are disparities in patient access to the best treatment.

Greater visibility of the condition through initiatives such as Cavernoma Awareness Month brings the potential for increased research funding, faster diagnosis times, more effective treatments, and stronger patient support networks.

Cavernoma treatment pathways

Not all cavernomas require direct treatment, but are actively monitored for signs of change with regular MRI scans. If the patient is experiencing seizures, these may be treated with epilepsy medication. Headaches can be managed with painkillers.

However, if the cavernoma is causing bleeds or pressing on an important area of the brain, then surgical removal may be necessary. Traditionally, open surgery has been used to remove cavernomas that are in an accessible area of the brain. However, this carries significant risks and can lead to further complications.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) involves directing multiple beams of radiation at the cavernoma from different angles to destroy the damaged blood vessels. One of the most accurate and effective forms of SRS is Gamma Knife surgery. This may be considered as a treatment option when open surgery is deemed too risky.

One of the advantages of Gamma Knife treatment is that it can usually be delivered in a single session, and the patient can go home on the same day. It does not involve making any incisions, and no anaesthetic is required, so recovery times are minimal.

The future of cavernoma care

Currently, there is still a lot of uncertainty around how best to treat cavernomas, or what the long-term outlook is for people who opt not to treat them. More research is needed into how cavernomas are formed and more clinical trials are needed to investigate the best treatments. That’s why the June awareness raising campaign is so important.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cavernoma, learn more about how Gamma Knife surgery at Amethyst can help.