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Brain Tumor Surgery Patient Stories

Our stories below profile some of the patients who came to UPMC for brain surgery.

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Stefan Vazharov

Diagnosed with GBM at 36, Stefan defied the odds with expert care, multiple surgeries, and unwavering support from his trusted neurosurgeons at UPMC.

Seven years after being diagnosed with glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain cancer — Stefan Vazharov continues to beat the odds with expert care from neurosurgeon Dr. Constantinos Hadjipanayis. Their long-standing relationship and access to advanced treatments like Gamma Knife® radiosurgery have given him confidence and hope throughout his journey.

Read Stefan Vazharov's story

Maria Strouble: Colloid Cyst

Blurry vision was the main symptom that led to Maria Strouble visiting the emergency room and receiving the diagnosis of a colloid cyst. Read more of Maria’s story.

Blurry vision was the main symptom that led to Maria Strouble visiting the emergency room and receiving the diagnosis of a colloid cyst. She connected the dots between her vision, recent headaches, and memory loss, and then a Google search led her to the UPMC Neurological Institute.

Read Maria Strouble's story

Mark Dye: Hemangioblastoma

After months of worsening headaches and migraines, Mark Dye learned he had a dangerous brain tumor and cyst growing in the cerebellum near his brain stem. Read his story.

After months of worsening headaches and migraines, Mark Dye learned he had a dangerous brain tumor and cyst growing in the cerebellum near his brain stem. Read how he returned home to his young family just two days after undergoing lifesaving brain surgery at UPMC Presbyterian.

Read Mark Dye's story

Garry Lytle: Acoustic Neuroma

Headaches and vomiting led to the discovery of a large brain tumor across Garry's head. Experts at UPMC were able to remove the tumor and get Garry back to enjoying life.

Headaches and vomiting led to the discovery of a large brain tumor across Garry's head. Experts at UPMC were able to remove the tumor and get Garry back to enjoying life.

Read Garry Lytle's story

Betsy Alberts: Meningioma

Betsey Alberts wears a coral colored shirt and a floral, gray and white scarf. She has shoulder length blonde hair with bangs.

After being diagnosed with a large meningioma, Betsy underwent a traditional surgical procedure followed by Gamma Knife radiosurgery to keep the tumor from returning.

Read Betsy Alberts's story

Mark Boughton: Epidermoid Cyst

Mark sits in his office. He has rounded glasses, and wears a black suit with a blue tie. He has white hair cropped short.

As the mayor of Danbury, Connecticut, Mark turned to the experts at UPMC when a large cyst threatened to end his run in politics.

Read Mark Boughton's story

William Byrd: Colloid Cyst

William stands with his family and his doctor. He wears a gray shirt and a baseball cap. His wife wears an orange sweatshirt, and their son wears a gray hoodie. The doctor is wearing a suit.

Headaches, memory loss and fainting spells were signs of a life-threatening cyst in William Byrd's brain. He found relief—and a chance to get his life back—at UPMC.

Read William Byrd's story

Chris Hahn: Meningioma

Chris smiles. He is wearing a blue v-neck t-shirt. He is bald.

Doctor's found a brain tumor above Chris' right eye. Learn more about his procedure and experience at UPMC.

Read Chris Hahn's story