My husband has a recurrence of a brain tumor that was removed 26 years ago. It is a benign meningioma. Now that it has come back, his doctors suggest treatment with the gamma knife. The gamma knife is not an actual knife. It's a radiation treatment that focuses gamma rays precisely on the troublemaker, with minimal harm to adjacent normal structures.
Meningiomas come from the brain coverings, the meninges.
They are benign, meaning they do not spread to other body sites. However, a meningioma can slowly enlarge and encroach upon the brain and lead to a number of symptoms. The gamma knife is a revolutionary tool. It can't be used for every brain tumor, but, when it can be used, patients should count themselves lucky. Doctors don't have to open the skull, so pain is mild and recovery short.