Brain & Spine Tumors

The Brain & Spine Tumor Program cares for patients with tumors affecting the brain, spine, skull base and nearby structures of the nervous system. These conditions can be benign or malignant, but even noncancerous tumors may still affect speech, movement, vision, balance or hormone function depending on where they grow.

Our specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including meningioma, pituitary adenoma and metastatic brain and spine tumors. Because tumor type, location and growth pattern matter so much, care must be highly individualized.

You may need specialty tumor care if imaging shows a mass in the brain or spine, or if symptoms suggest a tumor could be affecting the nervous system. Headaches, seizures, weakness, balance changes, vision problems, hormone changes or cognitive symptoms can all require expert evaluation.

Early review is important because some tumors grow slowly while others need faster treatment. Specialty care can help clarify the diagnosis and determine whether surgery, monitoring, radiation, medical therapy or a combined approach is most appropriate.

Diagnosis starts with advanced imaging, neurological evaluation and a detailed review of symptoms and medical history. Specialists look closely at tumor location, size, effect on nearby structures and whether the lesion appears primary or metastatic.

Additional testing may include biopsy, pathology review and treatment planning with multiple specialists. These steps help determine whether a patient may benefit from approaches such as radiosurgery, endoscopic pituitary surgery or another highly targeted therapy.

Treatment depends on the tumor type, location and how it is affecting neurological function. Many patients benefit from a combination of therapies designed to treat the tumor while preserving healthy brain tissue and day-to-day function.

Options may include:

• Surgery, including minimally invasive approaches, awake brain mapping and skull base procedures when precision is essential
• Laser ablation, fluorescence-guided surgery or intraoperative MRI to improve visualization and support safer tumor removal
• Radiation-based care, including radiosurgery and proton therapy for selected patients
• Neuro-oncology treatment, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up for primary and metastatic disease

Recovery depends on the tumor type, the treatment used and the part of the nervous system involved. Some patients recover quickly after a minimally invasive procedure, while others need rehabilitation, medical therapy or ongoing monitoring over time.

Recovery is also about more than healing from surgery. It may include managing symptoms, restoring strength, protecting cognition, returning to daily activities and building a long-term plan for surveillance and follow-up care.