Brain tumors could be considered inoperable because:
They don’t have clear borders and are hard to distinguish from healthy tissues.
They are too close to areas of the brain that control vision, language, body movements, or other important margins.
Surgery would result in a significant loss of function.
Some tumors are labeled “inoperable” but can be removed by neurosurgeons with specialized expertise. If you’ve been told your tumor is inoperable, consider seeking a second opinion at a large, multidisciplinary brain tumor center.
These teams typically offer advanced surgical techniques that allow greater access to hard-to-reach sections of the brain.
Despite advancements in treatment, a tumor’s biology, location, or behavior may make it truly inoperable. In such cases, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or clinical trials. Spinal tumor surgery can also be inoperable, but your doctor will suggest suitable treatment options.