As a neurosurgeon at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, Dr. Franklin Epstein performs surgical removal of brain tumors. Dr. Franklin Epstein has over 30 years of experience in his field.

1. INDICATIONS OF AN
OPERABLE BRAIN
TUMOR
By Franklin Epstein

2. Introduction
 As a neurosurgeon at the South Texas Veterans
Health Care System (STVHCS) Audie L. Murphy
Memorial VA Hospital, Dr. Franklin Epstein performs
surgical removal of brain tumors. Dr. Franklin Epstein
has over 30 years of experience in his field.
For a tumor to be removable via surgery, it must lie
within an accessible area of the brain. Tumors that are
located in or near areas of the brain that control key
functions, such as movement or language, may be
considered inoperable because reaching them carries
an extremely high risk of brain damage. Operable
tumors should be in an area that the surgeon can
reach without harming crucial areas of the brain.

3. Operable Brain Tumors
 Additionally, if a tumor is clearly defined at the
edge and does not integrate with normal brain
tissue, then a surgeon may have better odds of
safe removal.
Fortunately, advances in imaging science now
give doctors a much clearer picture of a tumor's
size and location. With the aid of this technology,
surgeons can develop safer strategies for tumor
excision. However, even if a tumor is operable,
the patient must be able to withstand the surgery.
The patient should be in reasonably good overall
health and have strong heart, lung, and liver
function. Preferably, any primary cancers would
also be under control.