Brain and Spine Tumors
With full collaboration between our neuroscience, cancer, pathology, radiology, rehabilitation, nursing and social work programs, we provide individualized treatment plans for patients with brain and spine tumors from across our region.
Types of Brain & Spine Tumors We Treat
As home to the most comprehensive level of neurological care in the region, our neurosurgeons treat all types of brain and spine tumors – benign and malignant – to provide you the best possible outcomes and quality of life. There are more than 120 different types of brain and spine tumors that exist. Some of the conditions we treat include, but are not limited to, the following:
AVM is a rare condition where abnormal connections form between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system, which can lead to bleeding, seizures, or neurological deficits. It can occur in the brain or spinal cord.
A meningioma is a typically slow-growing tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign, though some can be malignant.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and fast-growing type of brain tumor that originates from glial cells. It is known for its high invasiveness and poor prognosis, often requiring intensive treatment like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Brain tumors can be either benign or malignant growths in the brain, potentially causing symptoms like headaches, seizures, and cognitive impairments, depending on the tumor's location and size.
Spine tumors can occur within the vertebrae or the surrounding tissues of the spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as pain, weakness, and sensory changes. These tumors may be primary (originating in the spine) or metastatic (spreading from other areas of the body).
Spinal cord tumors are growths that develop in or near the spinal cord, which can impair motor function, sensation, or cause chronic pain. Other lesions may include cysts, abscesses, or abnormal tissue growth that disrupt normal spinal cord function.
Brain and Spine Treatments
Treatment options may vary based on the type of tumor you have but rest assured, our collaborative team will create tailored treatment plans specific to you and your tumor.
Our Cancer Center hosts a Central Nervous System Conference where your surgeon will discuss your case with other providers on your cancer team to determine the best course of action. Treatment may include:
The Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center offers robost chemotherapy with a variety of ways to administer the medicine.
Our board-certified neurosurgeons offer a full spectrum of neurosurgical care, including minimally invasive neurosurgery.
Utilizing the Novalis Tx, a radiosurgery system, radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons can pinpoint specific areas to treat while sparing healthy, critical tissue so you do not need surgery.
Our Facilities
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is home to the Vogter Neuro and Trauma Intensive Care Unit, the region's only neurovascular intensive care unit. This unit is housed in our state-of-the-art M.T. Mustian Center where all of our surgeries are performed.
By combining the latest medical technology with patient- and family-centered design and amenities, the M.T. Mustian Center has transformed the standard of care for the Big Bend community. Our M.T. Mustian Center is equipped with 28 operating rooms and four hybrid interventional suites including two neurovascular interventional radiology rooms and two vascular interventional radiology rooms.
The Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center is the longest continuously accredited comprehensive community hospital cancer program in the State of Florida. Our highly trained medical team delivers the most powerful treatment options, all under one roof.
Why Choose TMH
At TMH, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to you, so you have the best possible outcomes. We meet high standards set by national, organizations and have been accredited as a:
- Center of Excellence in Neurosurgery by the Surgical Review Corporation
- Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery
- Commission on Cancer accredited program by the American Colleges of Surgeons
Our facilities are reviewed by third-party organizations to ensure we meet their high standards for patient safety, exceptional, quality care and patient outcomes in order to receive these accreditations.