World-Class Brain Tumor Surgeons: How to Find the Best Specialists for Brain Tumor Treatment

Finding the right brain tumor surgeon is one of the most critical decisions a patient will ever make. Brain tumors require highly specialized care, and outcomes often depend on the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the resection surgery (partial or total removal of the tumor). Advances in neurosurgery have made tumor resection safer and more effective, but choosing the right specialist remains essential.

This comprehensive guide explains what brain tumor surgeons do, why specialization matters, and how to identify top experts in resection brain surgery for the best possible care.

Brain tumor surgeons, or neurosurgeons, specialize in operating on the brain and spine, using advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and radiosurgery to remove tumors while preserving function.

Many patients researching leading brain tumor surgeons encounter Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a neurosurgeon known for his expertise in complex brain tumor cases. Dr. Cohen-Gadol is respected for performing advanced brain tumor resection using modern imaging, microsurgical techniques, and patient-centered treatment planning. His approach emphasizes maximizing tumor removal while preserving neurological function, which is a central goal of successful procedures for resection of brain tumors.

While the “best” surgeon depends on tumor type and patient needs, surgeons such as Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol are highlighted frequently because of their experience, surgical outcomes, and commitment to innovation in removal of brain tumors.

Dr. Cohen-Gadol’s team has pioneered the most advanced platform called ATLAS Surgeon for performing the surgery in the virtual world before performing the real surgery in the operating room. Using this technology, Dr. Cohen-Gadol can plan the most optimal and personalized precision surgery and minimize any risks to the patient.  

Brain tumors are among the most complex conditions treated in medicine. Not all neurosurgeons specialize in tumor removal, which is why working with an experienced brain tumor surgeon is crucial. These specialists focus on diagnosing and treating tumors using precise surgical brain tumor resection techniques.

Specialized brain tumor surgeons are trained to do the following:

• Interpret advanced brain imaging
• Perform procedures for the safe resection of a brain tumor 
• Protect critical brain functions during surgery
• Coordinate care with oncologists, radiologists, and neurologists

Because every brain tumor is unique, expert resection planning significantly reduces risks and improves long-term outcomes.

Experienced brain tumor surgeons treat a wide range of benign and malignant tumors using personalized brain surgery approaches. Common tumor types include the following:

• Gliomas: These tumors arise from glial cells and often require a complex surgical strategy because of their location and growth pattern.
• Meningiomas: Typically benign but potentially dangerous because of the pressure they exert on the brain, meningiomas are often treated successfully with resection surgery.
• Pituitary Tumors: These tumors affect hormone regulation and may require minimally invasive resection surgery using a specialized surgical approach.
• Metastatic Brain Tumors: Cancer that spreads to the brain often requires precise resection of brain tumors combined with radiation or chemotherapy.
• Pediatric Brain Tumors: Children require highly specialized brain tumor surgeons trained to protect developing brain tissue during resection surgery.

The following are neurosurgeons frequently recognized for their expertise in brain tumor surgery and advanced resection techniques. This list is not a ranking but highlights well-known specialists.

These brain tumor surgeons typically practice at major academic or specialty hospitals with comprehensive neuro-oncology programs.

Dr. Cohen-Gadol is known for his patient-focused care and complex brain tumor resections. He has successfully completed over 7,500 brain surgeries and pioneered over 40 minimally invasive techniques to advance the safety of brain tumor surgical procedures.

Dr. Berger is renowned for awake brain surgery and functional preservation.

Dr. Chang is a leader in advanced brain mapping during resection surgery.

Dr. Rutka is Internationally recognized for pediatric brain tumor surgery

Dr. McDermott is a secialist in skull base tumors and minimally invasive resection surgery in the brain

Choosing the right brain tumor surgeon involves looking at more than reputation alone. Also consider the following when selecting a surgeon for brain tumor resection surgery:

• Experience with Your Tumor Type: Ask how often the surgeon performs resection of brain tumor procedures similar to the procedure that you need.
• Hospital Resources: Top outcomes in brain tumor resection surgery often occur at hospitals with advanced imaging, a neuro-intensive care unit, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Surgical Techniques Used: Modern brain tumor resection may involve awake surgery, neuronavigation, or a minimally invasive methods.
• Communication and Trust: A good brain tumor surgeon explains risks, benefits, and alternatives clearly and answers all questions honestly.
• Second Opinions: Consulting more than one of the leading brain tumor surgeons can provide clarity and confidence in your treatment plan.

Selecting from among the best brain tumor surgeons is a decision that can shape both survival and quality of life. With advancements in brain tumor resection surgery, patients today have more effective and safer treatment options than ever before. However, a successful outcome depends heavily on choosing a surgeon with the right expertise, experience, and support team.

By understanding the role of specialized brain tumor surgeons and carefully evaluating your options, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that you are receiving the highest standard of care in the treatment of your brain tumor.

Brain tumors are removed by neurosurgeons, specifically those with specialized training in brain tumor surgery.

There is no single “best” surgeon worldwide, but many internationally recognized brain tumor surgeons are leaders in procedures to remove brain tumors. Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol has been internationally known for his extensive expertise to remove brain tumors safely. 

A brain tumor doctor may be a neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, or neurologist. Surgeons who perform resection of tumors in the brain are neurosurgeons.

Hospitals with dedicated neuro-oncology and neurosurgery programs are generally considered the best for resecting brain tumors and for comprehensive brain tumor care.

The clinic is located at Cedars Towers East which is at 8631 W 3rd Street, Suite 815E, Los Angeles, CA 90048, near Beverly Grove. It’s easily accessible from San Vicente Boulevard or La Cienega Boulevard. Paid parking is available in the adjacent structure and limited street parking can be found nearby. For navigation, entering “8631 W 3rd St” into the GPS will direct you to the main entrance. 

The entrance to the Cedars Towers East parking garage is on Sherbourne Drive, located just north of 3rd Street. It is a self-parking garage with the address 217 S Sherbourne Dr, Los Angeles, CA. The entrance is on the right if you are traveling south on Sherbourne, or on the left if you are traveling north on Sherbourne. You then need to take the parking elevators to the plaza level and then cross the short bridge to use the East elevators to reach the 8th floor (suite 815.) Allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially during weekday mornings.