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Our Expert on Cancer
Q: What is Gamma KnifeŽ?Ask Our Expert About Gamma KnifeŽ
About Our Experts
Clinton Leinweber, D.O., 
Stefano Camici, M.D., 
John Niemkiewicz, Ph.D., Q: What is a Gamma KnifeŽ?A: Gamma KnifeŽ radiosurgery is a new way to treat people who have brain tumors, malformed blood vessels and other disorders of the brain. It is called radiosurgery, but there is no cutting. A single high dose of radiation passes through your skull to the part of the brain we need to treat. The radiation destroys the area that is a problem. It does not hurt the healthy part of the brain. Because there is no incision, patients recover quickly. Most people go home the next day and resume normal activities within a week. Compared to earlier types of radiosurgery that required up to 20 treatments, this new "gold standard" of radiosurgery is so precise that it usually requires only one treatment. We are the only hospital-based program in the region to offer Gamma KnifeŽ radiosurgery. It is a serious procedure and is safest when performed in a hospital where patients can benefit from vital resources. We perform Gamma KnifeŽ radiosurgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Q: How does it work?A: There are 201 different beams of radiation. They go through the skull and into the brain separately. Each beam is too weak to harm normal tissue. The beams come together in the problem area. Together, they are strong enough to destroy the tumor or other problem. Why your doctor may recommend this treatment:
Q: Is Gamma KnifeŽ right for you?A: To find out, your doctor refers you to the Gamma Knife Team:
The doctors examine you and your test results to decide if the Gamma KnifeŽ would be the best treatment for your problem. Gamma Knife can be used for these diseases and disorders: Pain disorders
If you have questions about Gamma KnifeŽ radiosurgery, ask your doctor or call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 3/30/08 08:45 PM
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