Tumor
Few things can be as serious and life-changing as a tumor in your brain or spinal column. You will require the expert skills of a neurosurgeon to remove it safely, but our different types of surgical treatments are just what you need! We also provide diligent follow-up care from a highly trained team who know how important this procedure is for each individual patient’s recovery process.
What are Brain and Spinal Column Tumors?
Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the spinal column. Tumors are categorized as either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous):
- Malignant tumors are cancer masses that have spread or have the potential to spread to other parts of your body. They can be difficult for doctors and patients alike, but with treatment comes hope!
- Others may be benign (non-cancerous), which means that they do not spread or cause significant damage to surrounding tissue. Although not life-threatening, Benign tumors can still be a significant problem and depending on their location may require treatment.
What is the difference between a Primary and a Metastatic Brain and Spinal Column Tumor?
Primary brain or spine tumors start in the brain or spine and can spread to other parts of the body.
Secondary brain or Metastatic brain tumors in the brain or spine originated elsewhere, such as the lungs, and have spread (metastasized) into the brain or spine.
What are some common symptoms of brain and spinal column tumors?
Brain tumors can grow in any part of the brain, and their symptoms will vary depending on their location. For example, a tumor in the frontal lobe may cause problems with planning and decision-making, while a tumor in the temporal lobe may lead to changes in behavior or personality. The size of the tumor will also affect the symptoms that are experienced. A small, slow-growing tumor may not cause any symptoms for many years, while a large, fast-growing tumor can lead to severe symptoms very quickly. If you experience any sudden or unexplained changes in your health, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, as these could be signs of a brain tumor.
- Changes in vision
- Headaches
- Balance issues
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Memory issues
- Slurred speech
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Loss of bladder control
How are brain and spinal column tumors diagnosed?
Brain and spinal cord tumors can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. In order to determine whether you have a tumor and what type it is, your doctor may order imaging tests such as MRI scans or CT scans. Additional diagnostic tests such as a biopsy may also be necessary in order to determine the tumor’s grade (how aggressive it is) and stage (how far it has spread).
Some common tests used to diagnose brain and spinal cord tumors include MRI scans and CT scans. These scans can help to identify the location, size, and type of tumor. Other tests, such as a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or electroencephalogram (EEG), may also be used to help diagnose tumors.
Common brain and spinal column tumors we treat include:
- 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
At Mariwalla Neurosurgery, our goal is to educate our patients about conditions and treatments for brain and spinal column tumors. We invite you to call (631) 500-9400 for an appointment with Dr. Nitin Mariwalla.
Brain and spinal column tumors treatments include:
When it comes to treating brain tumors, surgery is the most common treatment option. This approach involves carefully removing the tumor along with some surrounding tissue, in order to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgical removal may be performed alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
In some cases, especially when the tumor is small and slow-growing, surgical removal may be all that is needed to effectively treat the condition. Ultimately, whether surgery is right for a given patient will depend on a number of factors, including the type and size of their tumor as well as their overall health status. But regardless of how it’s used, surgery remains one of our most effective tools for treating brain tumors and ensuring patients’ long-term wellbeing. Some common surgical treatment options include:
- Brain Radiosurgery
- Laminectomy
- Craniotomy with Surgical Resection (tumor removal)