Brain, Spine and Nervous System Tumors
Leading-edge treatment for brain, spinal cord and nerve tumors in San Diego
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Tresa McGranahan, MD, PhD, Kenneth Shimizu, MD, Jeremy Ciporen, MD and Chien Chen, MD, Scripps Clinic and Scripps Cancer Center
Leading-edge treatment for brain, spinal cord and nerve tumors in San Diego
Widely recognized as leaders in research and promising new cancer treatments, Scripps Cancer Center specialists diagnose and treat brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors with expertise, compassion and a multidisciplinary team approach to care. Our physicians use precision diagnostics to enable personalized therapies and the most sophisticated treatment methods including minimally invasive robotic surgery and the most accurate radiation therapy technologies.
Your multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team
Optimal care for patients with nervous system tumors requires the type of multidisciplinary care that is the foundation of Scripps Cancer Center. Our collaborative board of cancer specialists reviews every patient’s complex care plan to ensure they receive care that is precisely personalized to their needs, from diagnosis through treatment and into recovery and survivorship.
Depending on your needs, your care team may include neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists. We work closely with other oncology specialties and prioritize excellent communication and availability for our patients and referring clinicians. We also offer a wide array of support services including our brain rehabilitation team, neuropsychologists, cancer genetics, social workers, cancer nutritionists, nurse navigators, pharmacists, palliative care specialists and many other team members highly experienced in the unique needs of nervous system tumor patients.
Learn more about your cancer care team and Scripps' multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Types of brain, spine and nervous system tumors
Nervous system tumors are groups of abnormal cells that grow out of control in the brain, spinal cord, nerves or layers of membrane that cover and protect your brain and spinal cord (leptomeninges).
Tumors in the nervous system may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Knowing precisely what type of tumor you have and where it is in your brain or body is essential to understanding your risk. Each patient with a nervous system tumor is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan with advanced diagnostics and treatments.
There are numerous types of brain and central nervous system tumors. Depending on their location, tumors may affect different functions of the brain, spinal cord or nerves. In certain parts of the brain, nervous system tumors may cause no symptoms if treated early.
Primary brain and spinal cord tumors
Primary brain and spinal cord tumors start from the tissue of the brain or spinal cord. There are many types of primary brain and spinal cord tumors. The treatment for each of these varies based on the disease, location and symptoms.
Metastatic nervous system tumors
Metastatic brain tumors and metastatic spinal cord tumors do not start in the brain or central nervous system but have spread to the area from other parts of the body (metastasized).
Diagnostic testing
Scripps Cancer Center physicians use various types of tests to detect and diagnose brain tumors or central nervous system tumors.
Our approach to treating brain and spinal cord tumors
When you’ve been diagnosed with a brain or central nervous system tumor, you want a team of expert specialists on your side. The multidisciplinary teams at Scripps Cancer Center use the latest evidence-based treatments and therapies, including minimally invasive surgery and targeted therapy.
Your Scripps care team includes professionals from every area of oncology, including expertly trained neurologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and nurses who specialize in this care. Our multidisciplinary team includes sub-specialty trained, nationally and internationally recognized experts who have been widely published.
In addition, our oncology nurse navigators can help coordinate your care and ensure you have support and guidance throughout your treatment and recovery. Learn more about how Scripps puts you at the center of care.
Brain and spinal cord tumor treatment options at Scripps Cancer Center
Treatment for brain and spinal cord tumors depends on several factors, including where the tumor is located, whether it is cancerous or benign, how far it has advanced and the patient’s overall health. Treatment plans may include the following methods.
Brain and spinal cord tumor treatment locations
Scripps Cancer Center diagnoses and treats brain and central nervous system tumors at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of Southern California cancer care centers includes:
- Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
- Outpatient clinics
- Specialty cancer treatment centers
For details on specific centers and their services, visit cancer care locations.
Support groups, services and resources
As leaders in the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous central nervous system tumors, we know what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, Scripps helps you along every step of the way.