Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the spinal column.
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is located within the skull and spinal column, so any abnormal growth, whether benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function.
There are two types of tumors:
- Benign tumors are noncancerous and are unlikely to spread to others parts of the body. Benign tumors can still be a significant problem however, depending upon their location, size, adjacent structures, blood supply, and other factors. Fortunately, most benign tumors can be treated successfully.
- Malignant tumors are cancerous and may spread or have spread from another part of the body. They can be difficult to cure or treat.
Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called primary tumors.
Tumors that originate from elsewhere in the body and spread to the CNS are called Metastatic tumors. In most cases, metastatic brain tumors are caused by carcinomas of the lung, breast, and skin (melanoma). Metastatic brain tumors are the most common types of brain cancer.
Tumors treated
NeuroTexas neurosurgeons are specialized to treat a wide variety of tumors utilizing the newest techniques and technologies.
| · Acoustic Neuroma
· Anaplastic Astrocytoma · Astrocytoma · Brain Tumor (Metastatic) · Chordoma · Craniopharyngioma · Epidermoid Tumor · Ependymoma · Esthesioneuroblastoma · Gliomas · Malignant Sheath Tumor |
· Medulloblastoma · Meningioma · Nerve Sheath Tumor · Neuroblastoma · Neurofibroma · Oligodendroglioma · Pineal Tumor · Pituitary Adenoma · Primary CNS Lymphoma · Primitive Extrodermal Tumor · Schwannoma |
Treatment
The type of tumor, the location, and the prognosis for the patient are all used to decide what type of treatment is best. Our neurosurgeons often work with oncologists, radiologists and other medical professionals who specialize in taking care of patients with tumors to provide you with the best care possible. We appreciate that this is a scary time for patients and their loved ones and will endeavor to answer all of your questions to ensure you are as informed as possible. Many CNS tumors can be treated with very good results.
Your team may conclude that it is best to firstly reduce the size of the tumor with radiation prior to surgery. Additionally radiation and or chemotherapy may be continued following surgery.
Surgical treatment may include one or a combination of the following treatments
- Brain Radiosurgery
- Artificial Disc Replacement
- Laminectomy
- Craniotomy with Surgical Resection (tumor removal)
Referenced: National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
