The gamma knife is not actually a knife but rather a high-tech treatment for brain tumors.  Good Samaritan’s Gamma Knife Center is one of the few in Florida, and an important part of our Cancer Institute. To learn more, email  us or  call (561)650-6023.  To receive a free referral to a cancer specialist, visit our Find A Physician section or call (561)650-6023 or (877)725-0444.   

Conventional treatments to remove brain tumors and lesions may require delicate surgery, days of hospitalization and weeks of rehabilitation.  Some surgeries may be risky, depending on the tumor location.

An alternative is stereotactic radiosurgery using a gamma knife. Stereotactic refers to a technology’s ability to locate a target such as a tumor three-dimensionally within the body.  This painless noninvasive procedure is performed without a scalpel, no anesthesia is necessary and patients may leave the hospital later the same day.  

The gamma knife, used by specialists for 30 years, employs powerful, highly focused gamma radiation beams. Patients simply lie on a table while they receive the high-dose radiation treatment. Gamma rays are programmed to attack only the tumor, usually leaving the surrounding healthy brain tissue intact. They wear a special helmet to protect tissue surrounding the tumor 

Depending on tumor type and each patient’s case, gamma knife surgery may not only replace conventional brain surgery, but may also treat brain tumors previously inaccessible by surgery

Learn  more about gamma  knife treatments through the International Radiosurgery Association.  Good Samaritan Medical Center is a member of this nonprofit organization.