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Neurological Cancers

Neurosciences
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Any cancer diagnosis is frightening, but a diagnosis of brain or spinal cord cancer can feel especially daunting. If you or a loved one are facing this diagnosis, take comfort that you have experts using the most advanced technology right in your community. WMCHealth’s premier neurosurgical oncology team is trained in the most innovative and advanced technology in brain tumor surgery and other oncological neurosurgeries. As an academic medical center, we are pioneers of the latest developments and research in cancer care. 

What is Neurological Cancer?

Neurological cancer is cancer of the neurological system, including the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when cells inside the brain or spine replicate uncontrollably and form a mass that can invade surrounding tissue. Neurological cancer can also begin as cancer cells in other parts of the body that spread to the brain. Not all tumors found within the brain or spine are cancerous. Noncancerous or benign tumors generally are slow-growing and don’t spread.

Neurological cancers are not common, but about 18,000 people in the US are diagnosed every year. Neurological cancers usually occur in adults between the age of 30-50 or in children under 10.

A man with a headache working on a laptop

The symptoms of neurological cancer can vary, and some types of cancers have little to no symptoms early on. Symptoms can also be a result of many less serious conditions, so neurological cancer signs are not always obvious. Some common symptoms include:

  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Balance difficulties
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Speech or vision problems
  • Changes in mood, behavior, memory, and concentration
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Diagnosing Neurological Cancers

If you are showing symptoms that suggest you may have a neurological condition, your doctor may perform various tests and evaluations, including:

  • Physical exam
  • Neurological exam
  • Personal and family medical history
  • Imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray

If a mass is found, your doctor may perform a biopsy to accurately diagnose the type of tumor and its severity. These results will help your care team to create an effective treatment plan.

Causes of Neurological Cancers

Cancer happens when cells become damaged, and they can no longer regulate how quickly they replicate. Researchers are not certain what causes the initial cell damage for some people that results in tumors, but possible factors include:

  • Genetic mutations
  • Certain underlying medical conditions
  • Environmental exposure to certain chemicals or radiation

Treatment of Neurological Cancers

WMCHealth provides a full spectrum of treatment options for neurological cancers and may use a combination of treatments. Our access to the latest advancements in technology means that we can treat some cancers with minimally invasive approaches, which allow for shorter recovery times and less chance for complications.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for neurological cancers. The experienced neurosurgeons at WMCHealth are experts in brain surgery techniques such as:

We also offer novel procedures and use the latest technology to ensure that you get the best treatment available. These include:

  • GammaTile Brachytherapy: This technique implants small seeds of radiation into the tumor cavity, allowing targeted radiation without the weeks of radiation therapy post-surgery.
  • Exoscope: Surgeons use this tool to see brain tumors in high-definition.
  • Gleolan: This fluorescent agent illuminates brain tumor cells, allowing for a more complete tumor removal.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill remaining cancer cells, shrink tumors, or prevent further growth. These may be used in conjunction with surgery or for those who can not be treated with surgery. Radiation therapies include:

  • Proton beam treatment 
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery
  • External beam radiation therapy

WMCHealth also has access to the latest technology in stereotactic radiosurgery with Truebeam, which is highly accurate and is easier for patients to tolerate.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery and radiation. It is an effective treatment for some cancerous tumors. However, some chemo drugs cannot pass from the bloodstream to the brain and are not as effective as other options.

Join Simon Hanft, MD, discusses new innovations in our neurosciences specialties.