A brain tumor can be a nerve-wracking diagnosis. However, in the hands of an experienced neurological tumor specialist, people get the right treatments with good health outcomes.
Here is more about what a neurological tumor specialist does.
What Is a Neurological Tumor?
Usually called a brain tumor, a neurological tumor can grow anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
A benign neurological tumor grows slowly. It does not spread beyond where it first started to develop.
However, malignant tumors, can grow quickly. They can also metastasize or spread to other body parts, causing damage to other organs.
Examples of brain tumors are astrocytoma, growth affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which can be benign or cancerous.
Another type is a hemangioblastoma. This is an overgrowth of blood vessels within the brain. This collection of small blood vessels covers a noncancerous brain tumor.
There are many other kinds of neurological tumors, and each has its own symptoms and treatments. However, they all can cause harm if left untreated.
Early detection and prompt, accurate treatment are important to managing brain tumors. Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you have a lot of headaches, changes in vision or speech, numbness or weakness, or any other symptoms which worry you.
Responsibilities of Neurological Tumor Specialists
A neurological tumor specialist is a medical doctor with training and experience in diagnosing and treating tumors of the brain and spinal cord. This physician works closely with other specialists, such as cancer doctors and radiation therapists. Together, they develop treatment plans for each tumor patient.
Some key functions of a neurological tumor specialist include:
Evaluating Symptoms
When a patient has symptoms that suggest a brain tumor, the neurological tumor specialist will do a physical examination. He or she will review the medical history, too.
Also, the physician will order imaging tests such as an MRI, PET, or CT scan. These tests show views of the tumor and where it is located. A surgical or needle biopsy may provide tissue for lab analysis.
Developing Treatments
Based on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health, the specialist will develop a treatment plan. The plan will consider the patient’s diagnosis, overall health, and prospects for recovery. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Performing Surgeries
Neurological tumor specialists perform surgeries on brain and spinal tumors. They may do biopsies to confirm a diagnosis. They may remove all or parts of tumors.
Kinds of surgeries are:
- Craniotomy: a part of the skull is removed to get to the brain
- Spinal laminectomy: a part of the spine is removed
- Shunting procedures: a tube is placed to drain fluid from the brain
- Stereotactic radio surgeries: use radiation to destroy tumors
- Endoscopic procedures: employ small cameras and surgical tools to remove tumors through the nose or mouth
Administering Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for brain and spinal tumors. It uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. This can be done externally using a machine or internally by placing radioactive material near the tumor site.
Prescribing Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is another commonly used treatment for brain and spinal tumors. Chemotherapy drugs target and kill cancer cells.
These drugs may be given via pill or IV, depending on the type of tumor. Chemotherapy may be used with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Monitoring Patient Progress
After treatment, the tumor specialist will monitor the patient’s progress through regular check-ups and imaging tests. Depending on the type of tumor, additional treatments or therapies may be recommended to prevent the tumor from returning.
Providing Supportive Care
Neurological tumor specialists also work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide supportive care for patients. These individuals need assistance in managing symptoms and the side effects of treatment. Plus, the tumor specialist can address the emotional and mental health needs of patients.
Participating in Medical Research
Many neurological tumor specialists are involved in research studies to understand brain tumors and develop new treatments. By participating in clinical trials, patients have access to cutting-edge treatments not yet available to the general public.
Communicating with Patients and Families
Neurological tumor care involves educating tumor patients and their loved ones throughout diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery and recovery. Education is empowering, helping individuals understand their condition, how to treat it and what possible outcomes are.
Tumor Surgery in Lone Tree, Colorado
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our team of board-certified physicians provides excellent care for neurological tumors and their symptoms. We treat complex brain tumors–both benign and cancerous. We also deal with vascular problems which can produce symptoms similar to brain tumors. We prioritize patient education, personalized treatment plans, and innovative surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.
To learn more about neurological tumors or to arrange a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact us at (303) 790-1800 or use our appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
