Tumor Care at CNSI

Tumors are abnormal growths that can destroy healthy cells and inhibit normal functioning. Some tumors can be surgically removed, others may spread to surrounding areas and can be difficult to treat. Some risk factors are involved with the development of tumors, but the cause of them is still unknown.

At the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Tumor Center, our fellowship-trained physician is specially trained in the detection and treatment of brain and spine tumors. We utilize the advanced technologies and resources to diagnose tumors and map a treatment plan that fits our patients’ individual needs. Our team of providers are committed to ongoing, comprehensive research of tumors, taking a forward-thinking approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions and to positive outcomes for our patients.

Conditions We Treat

Our experienced and professional team of board-certified specialists and providers are educated and trained in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, including:

• Brain and spine tumors
• Pituitary tumors
• Skull base tumors

Diagnosing Tumors

Tumors are abnormal growths in or around the spinal column and brain that may destroy healthy cells and/or affect bodily function. The cause of tumors is largely unknown. Symptoms of tumors vary according to the location, type, and size of the growth.

Tumors may develop in the affected areas, and some tumors may spread to the affected area from other parts of the body (secondary, or metastatic, tumors). Primary brain tumors start in the brain and secondary brain tumors (metastatic brain tumors) start in another part of the body and spread to the brain. Both types can be either benign, non-cancerous, or malignant.

There are two types of tumors: benign tumors and malignant tumors. Benign tumors are non-cancerous and develop slowly. Malignant tumors are fast-growing, cancerous tumors that spread from other tissues in the body. The specialists at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Tumor Center have training and experience and treating both types of tumors, including meningioma, astrocytoma, and glioblastoma.

Diagnosing tumors may involve a physical examination, a review of one’s medical history, and an assessment of symptoms. In most cases, certain testing procedures and medical imaging are helpful in making a definitive diagnosis. At the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Tumor Center, we employ advanced technological tools such as minimally invasive stereotactic brain biopsy, single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) to guide us in diagnosing tumors.

How We Treat Tumors 

Treating tumors may depend on the location of the growth, size of the tumor, and its type. The trained specialists at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Tumor Center have a wide range of options available for the treatment of tumors.

Radiation

Premier Health’s fellowship-trained specialists utilize precise, highly-accurate systems such as TrueBeam stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy for Cancer and stereotactic radiosurgery to treat tumors. These procedures, and other forms of radiation, can pinpoint abnormal growths with more speed and precision than other methods of radiation treatment. One type of radiation, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), deploys radiation to a brain tumor from different directions with high precision; this prevents radiation exposure to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. Stereotactic radiosurgery is similar to IMRT, only fewer treatments. Whole brain radiation sends radiation to the entire brain; this can be used to treat multiple tumors.

Chemotherapy and Biological Therapy

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment in which cancer cells are destroyed while healthy cells are preserved. The medication may be given orally, through an IV, or by injection. Biological therapy is a method of supporting the immune system so the body may fight the tumor cells.

Surgery

In many cases, surgery is the first line of treatment. The board-certified surgeon at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Tumor Center employs the most minimally invasive procedures when possible. When direct access is needed to treat a brain tumor, specialists utilize an awake craniotomy for tumors situated in an area of the brain that controls essential bodily functions like language. The Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Tumor Center is one of few centers in the country to use ROSA™ Brain, a minimally invasive robotic surgical assistant used to enhance the safety and reliability of neurological procedures.

Clinical Trials for Tumors

Premier Health participates in clinical research trials with the Dayton Clinical Oncology Program, giving patients access to more than 100 national clinical trials.