Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Definition
Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of cells within the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can cause various symptoms depending on their size, location, and rate of growth.
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Pediatric Neurology
We evaluate, diagnose, and manage children and young adults with problems involving the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and muscular systems. Our highly trained physicians offer child-friendly, family-centered care and are experts in treating nervous system disorders including: Epilepsy and seizures Learning disabilities, including developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia Headaches and migraines Migraine and other pain syndromes Movement and paroxysmal disorders Multiple Sclerosis and white matter disease Muscular Dystrophies, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other nerve and muscular disorders Spinal cord disorders, including myelomeningocele and spinal muscular atrophy Stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders Our special services include: Comprehensive epilepsy evaluation, including inpatient combined electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain and video monitoring for epilepsy Evaluation and management of full-term and premature infants with potential nervous system problemsNeurosurgery
Our team of neurosurgeons, scientists, practitioners, and support staff is devoted to providing the best neurosurgical care for adults and children with all types of neurological disorders of the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the blood vessels supplying them. Each of our neurosurgeons is highly specialized, and many are internationally recognized as experts in their fields. Patients receive the best in neurosurgical care, resulting in consistently excellent outcomes. Reliable and compassionate staff facilitate neurosurgical care and promptly coordinate multidisciplinary appointments, typically within a week, to minimize patient wait times. Inpatient care is provided in a state-of-the-art hospital setting with cutting-edge resources, including a dedicated Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit staffed by highly specialized neurointensivists and neuro-focused staff. We accept and treat every patient, and readily accept referrals from other neurosurgeons and physicians in Connecticut and beyond. We provide prompt consultation and management for high-risk, complicated conditions that require our expertise and experience. Conditions we treat include: All types of primary brain tumors, including gliomas, glioblastomas, and meningiomas Metastatic brain, spine, and spinal cord tumors Pituitary tumors (adenomas) Spinal disorders (such as herniated disks, stenosis, and scoliosis) Peripheral nerve syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) Neurovascular disease (aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and carotid artery stenosis) Pediatric and congenital disorders (including hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, spina bifida, and congenital spine deformities) Movement disorders (including Parkinson's disease and tremors) Pain disorders (such as trigeminal neuralgia) Spasticity (including multiple sclerosis) Brain and spine trauma Cerebrospinal fluid disorders (such as normal pressure hydrocephalus) Epilepsy We offer Y Access, a direct line of communication that gives community physicians direct, 24/7 access for the rapid transfer of inpatients who would benefit from our neurosurgical expertise. Only center in New England with a 3T hybrid operating room, housing 3 MRIs and biplane angiogram, allowing for safer and more successful treatment of all types of brain tumors, vascular diseases, movement disorders, and epilepsy Largest Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery program in Connecticut Sophisticated surgery techniques, including motor mapping and awake craniotomy Skull base microsurgery, including minimally invasive endoscopic surgery Expertise in a full range of pediatric neurosurgery, including intracranial and complex spine surgery in children of all ages Comprehensive epilepsy surgery program Tertiary trauma center providing life-saving spinal and brain injury surgery Deep brain stimulation (DBS) program improving the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease,Brain Tumor Center
The Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center is an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical care, and a hub of excellence for brain tumor research. Our team of specialists is dedicated exclusively to the care of patients with all types of brain tumors, and has extensive experience with: Primary brain tumors, such as glioblastomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and others Brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases, which originate from other cancers in the body Other primary tumors, such as meningiomas and schwannomas Rare brain tumors including craniopharyngiomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas pineal tumors, pituitary tumors, and others All types of neurological complications of cancer and their treatments Our expertise covers all critical components for successful care for patients with brain tumors, from comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and state-of-the-art genomic tumor profiling, to innovative treatment options and cutting-edge clinical trials. We treat all patients, whether they are newly diagnosed or have already received extensive treatment. Our expert physicians are readily available to offer second opinions for patients from all over the country, and rapidly accommodate our patients for prompt evaluation and initiation of care. We also offer an extensive program to improve patients’ quality of life before, during, and after treatment, including psychosocial support, rehabilitation for memory impairment, and other resources. Diagnosis Our experts use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose brain tumors with detailed accuracy. Three Tesla MRIs offer highly sophisticated testing, such as functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, and positron emission tomography (PET). Experienced neuroradiologists read all brain scans and evaluate the images for diagnosis. Importantly, all brain tumors that are biopsied or removed at our program undergo whole exome sequencing, the most advanced technique available for tumor characterization, which can target the vulnerabilities of individual tumors. Medical Oncology Many brain tumors require chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or other medical treatments, often combined with radiation therapy and surgery. Our team of neuro-oncologists have extensive expertise in delivering oncology treatments, with a focus on achieving optimal efficacy and safety. Each patient receives an individualized and coordinated treatment plan, taking into consideration the tumor type, molecular and genomic information on the tumor, and the patient’s own needs and choices. Additionally, our patients have access to cutting-edge Yale clinical trials exploring multiple novel strategies to fight brain cancer. Radiation Oncology Established in 1958 as one of the first Radiation Oncology departments in the country, the Yale Department of Therapeutic Radiology has played a foundational role in the national development of