Expert telephone forum
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, another edition of the Volksstimme telephone forum will take place. Readers will have the opportunity to ask questions on the topic of “Benign and malignant brain tumors and brain metastases resulting from other cancers” to Prof. Erol Sandalcioglu, MD, director of the University Clinic for Neurosurgery in Magdeburg, and his deputy, Klaus-Peter Stein, MD.
If you are concerned about any of the issues listed below, please do not hesitate to call us. Anyone interested can seek advice on November 11, 2025, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. by calling 0391-532970.
- What causes brain tumors?
- What are the typical symptoms of a brain tumor?
- Should you seek medical advice for prolonged headaches and nausea to rule out a possible brain tumor?
- Can brain tumors cause cognitive or personality changes?
- When is a biopsy necessary?
- What treatment options are available for brain tumors and brain metastases?
- How is the appropriate therapy for a patient decided?
- What does the prognosis for brain tumors depend on?
- Can brain metastases be cured?
- How important is early diagnosis?
Brain tumor
A tumor is abnormal cell growth in the brain that can be benign or malignant. Typical symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, disturbances of perception, speech, or movement, as well as changes in personality and behavior. The diagnosis is usually made using imaging techniques such as MRI or CT; sometimes a biopsy is necessary. Treatment involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or medication to control symptoms. Brain tumors can be very complex and require interdisciplinary coordination and treatment by numerous specialist departments. This takes place, for example, in a neuro-oncology center, which provides all relevant structures such as oncological care, social services, quality management, and psycho-oncology. Such a center has been in existence for five years at the University Medical Center Magdeburg.
Brain metastases
Brain metastases occur when tumor cells from other cancers spread to the brain. Lung, breast, kidney, and colon cancers, as well as malignant melanomas, are often affected. The tumor cells spread through the bloodstream and adapt to the brain. Symptoms depend on the location and can include neurological deficits, headaches, seizures, or cognitive impairments.
Diagnosis is usually made by MRI with contrast agent. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapies, as well as increasingly targeted or immuno-oncological approaches. Prognosis and therapy depend on the type of tumor, the extent of the disease, and the individual situation, and should be determined in consultation with specialists. Early diagnosis can be crucial.