HispanicBusiness

MIAMI, March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- A recent study by the American Brain Tumor Association revealed that brain-specific tumors are more frequent in children and older adults. Metastatic brain tumors - those that begin as a cancer elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain - are more common in adults than children. News of television icon Valerie Harper's rare brain cancer diagnosis has renewed interest in the devastating diagnosis. Understanding the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed could make all the difference in battling the challenging disease.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130320/CL77605 )

Dr. Aizik L. Wolf, Medical Director for the Miami Neuroscience Center at Larkin, says it's important to understand that not all hope is lost in most cases. "When people hear the diagnosis, many believe there is nothing that can be done. It is a frightening diagnosis and I see so many patients who have been told they have only months to live. In fact, we have revolutionary procedures combined with cutting edge technology that are effective," states the nationally acclaimed neurosurgeon who has performed over 7000 procedures with Gamma Knife®. The Gamma Knife® is a precise, non-invasive neurosurgical tool that is used to treat brain tumors, many of which are complex or might otherwise be considered inoperable, along with a number of other brain disorders.

Dr. Wolf understands challenges. He has developed groundbreaking applications for brain tumor treatments even as many argued they would never work. Due to his innovation and tenacity advocating for his patients, including his pioneering approach to Gamma Knife treatment for multiple brain tumors are now being practiced and taught in major medical universities around the world.

Dr. Wolf says it's important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. "Brain tumors vary from person to person, so there is no one-size fits all. However, there are some symptoms that should alert you to see a doctor." The veteran surgeon says headaches that seem worse when you first wake up or lie down, changes in hearing, smell, taste or speech, changes in personality, and weakness in a part of the body are among signs that you should see a doctor immediately. If you are diagnosed with brain cancer, he says, know your options. For more information, visit http://www.miamineurosciencecenter.com or call 1-786-871-6820 (Karol Martinez).

SOURCE Miami Neuroscience Center