Neurosurgery Program
Brain/Spine Tumor
At Holy Cross Hospital, we have the surgical expertise,
a caring and compassionate nursing and support staff and a state-of-the-art
technology and facility – all available to assist our patients in
diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery. Here are just some of the
conditions we treat:
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For
appointments and referrals, call 888.768.5553. |
Brain/Spine Tumors
Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside
the skull or on the spine. Any tumor (cancerous or non-cancerous) located
near the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) can pose a threat
to health.
For a tumor that can be removed without unacceptable risk of
neurological damage, surgery to remove as much tumor as possible is
usually the first step in treatment. Some tumors may be inaccessible or
inoperable tumor because of the risk of severe nervous system damage.
Astrocytoma Tumors
Astrocytoma tumors are the most common glioma,
accounting for about half of all primary brain and spinal cord tumors.
Gliomas are tumors that contain a variety of cell types, with the distribution
of the cell types varying in each tumor. Surgery is used to remove
as much of the tumor as possible without damaging brain tissue needed
for neurological function. It can be difficult to remove the entire tumor
when it’s high-grade, however, if the tumor cannot be completely
removed, surgery can still reduce or control its size.
Brain Metastases
Brain metastases are tumors that originate
in tissues or organs outside the brain and then spread to the brain. These
tumors are among the most common and feared complication of systemic cancer.
The incidence of these tumors is increasing as cancer patients now live
longer as a result of advances in cancer treatment. Lung, breast, melanoma,
renal and colon cancers are the most common primary tumors to metastasize
to the brain. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of brain metastasis
is crucial. Surgical removal of the tumor is a viable treatment option
however treatment varies with the size, type and location of the tumor,
and the health of the patient. Surgery can be performed if it will lead
to greater relief of symptoms and possibly can extend survival more so
than by other treatments.
Glioblastoma
Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive
type of primary brain tumor. Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as
possible is the first stage in treatment. If the tumor cannot be completely
removed, surgery can still reduce the size of the tumor, to remove cells
that may be resistant to radiation and chemotherapy; and to reduce intracranial
pressure.
Meningioma
A meningioma is a slow-growing
tumor that develops from the membrane that surrounds the brain and
spinal cord. These tumors are usually benign but some may be malignant.
However even "benign" tumors can grow and constrict and affect
the brain, which may cause disability and may even be life threatening.
Because meningiomas grow slowly, it may reach a relatively large size
before it causes symptoms. Other meningiomas grow rapidly or have sudden
growth spurts. Standard treatment is to remove the tumor, the portion
of the lining of the brain or spinal cord where it is attached and any
bone involved. Complete removal of the tumor is sometimes possible. Removing
tumors at the base of the brain is more complicated because of the risk
of damaging the nerves and blood vessels. Complete surgical removal is
sometimes not possible.
Pituitary Tumor
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the
pituitary gland, the part of the brain that regulates the body's balance
of hormones. The most common treatment for pituitary tumors is surgery.
The decision to pursue surgical treatment depends on the type, location
and size of tumor, and the patient’s age and overall health. Most
of the time, pituitary tumors can be removed through the nose and sinuses
without an exernal incision. However, some tumors cannot be removed this
way and will require removal through the skull with an incision in the
scalp.
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