Brain Care
Advanced, compassionate treatment for brain tumors and complex conditions of the brain.
Conditions affecting the brain can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms depending on their type, size, and location. An accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan are essential to protecting neurological function and maintaining quality of life.
Kevin Yao, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon with specialized fellowship training in complex brain and spine tumor surgery. His experience includes the treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors as well as other complex neurological conditions. Dr. Yao’s approach is centered on selecting the treatment most appropriate for each patient, with the goal of restoring and preserving neurological function and quality of life.
TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH KEVIN YAO, MD
"My goal is to help patients restore and preserve neurological function so they can get back to living the lives they enjoy."
Kevin Yao, MD
Conditions Treated
Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding tissues. Brain tumors may be benign or malignant, and symptoms can vary considerably depending on the tumor’s type, size, location, and rate of growth.
Evaluation typically involves neurological assessment and advanced imaging to better understand the tumor and its relationship to surrounding structures. Treatment is individualized and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, other treatments, or a combination of approaches depending on the diagnosis.
Meningioma
A meningioma is a tumor that develops from the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are noncancerous and slow-growing, although their location and size can cause symptoms by placing pressure on the brain, nerves, or nearby structures.
Some meningiomas can be monitored over time, while others may require treatment because of growth, symptoms, or location. Treatment options can include surgery and radiation-based therapies depending on the individual circumstances.
Glioma / Glioblastoma
Gliomas are tumors that arise from glial cells, which support the brain and nervous system. They include several tumor types and grades. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of glioma that requires specialized evaluation and treatment.
Management depends on the tumor’s type, grade, molecular characteristics, location, and the patient’s overall condition. Treatment may involve surgery when safely possible along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other therapies as appropriate.
Metastatic Brain Tumors
Metastatic brain tumors develop when cancer originating elsewhere in the body spreads to the brain. These tumors are different from primary brain tumors and require treatment planning that takes both the brain tumor and the underlying cancer into consideration.
Treatment may include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, radiation therapy, systemic cancer treatment, or a combination of approaches. The number, size, and location of the tumors, as well as the patient’s overall cancer status, help guide treatment decisions.
Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary tumors develop in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Most are benign, but they can affect hormone production or cause symptoms by pressing on nearby structures, including the optic nerves.
Evaluation may include imaging, hormone testing, and assessment of vision when appropriate. Depending on the type and size of the tumor, treatment may involve observation, medication, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain involving one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Episodes are often described as sharp or electric shock-like and can be triggered by everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, touching the face, or brushing the teeth.
Medication is often the initial treatment. For patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled or who cannot tolerate medication, procedures or surgical treatment may be considered based on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.
Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is typically a benign, slow-growing tumor that develops from the nerve involved in hearing and balance. Symptoms can include hearing loss, ringing in the ear, imbalance, and, in some cases, facial numbness or other neurological symptoms.
Treatment depends on factors including the tumor’s size and growth, symptoms, hearing status, age, and overall health. Options may include observation with periodic imaging, stereotactic radiosurgery, or surgical removal.
Specialized Experience in Brain Tumor Care
Dr. Yao completed fellowship training in complex brain and spine tumor surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He subsequently served as Co-Director of the Brain Tumor Center and Director of Gamma Knife and Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Tufts Medical Center before returning to the New York and New Jersey area.
This specialized background informs an individualized approach to brain tumor care focused on treating the underlying condition while preserving neurological function whenever possible.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor or neurological condition, or have been referred for a neurosurgical evaluation, Dr. Yao can review your diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.
TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH KEVIN YAO, MD