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The specialists of Norton Neuroscience Institute and Norton Cancer Institute have joined forces to develop the region’s only comprehensive Brain Tumor Center. The team includes a neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist and medical-oncologist, who work collaboratively to diagnose and treat patients with brain tumors.
The team develops a coordinated, personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s unique needs. Surgery often is the primary treatment for brain tumors. Norton Neuroscience Institute neurosurgeons use computer-assisted surgery to remove tumors as thoroughly and safely as possible. Patients benefit from breakthrough techniques that protect vital brain structures and require less anesthesia time and a shorter hospital stay.
Similar computer-assisted methods are used to precisely deliver radiation therapy following surgery, meaning fewer radiation-related side effects. The Brain Tumor Center’s fellowship-trained physicians tailor radiation therapy or chemotherapy for each patient.
Spinal cord tumors are found near or in the spinal cord. These abnormal growths can put pressure on sensitive tissues and nerves, which affects function and causes pain or weakness. Spinal cord tumors normally are treated with surgery, allowing specialists to treat the tumor with the lowest risk of neurological damage.
Great Day Live! | Brain Tumor Center with Todd Vitaz, M.D. and Ali Choucair, M.D.
State-of-the-art surgical approaches
Research has uncovered new methods for reaching tumors within areas of the brain or spine once considered impossible. Our specialists use several highly advanced surgical approaches to treat tumors:
- Computer-assisted stereotactic surgery: A sophisticated stealth image-guided system accurately pinpoints the exact location of tumors (or other brain and spine diseases).
- Evoked potentials: During surgery, this test uses small electrodes to stimulate a nerve so surgeons can measure its electrical response (evoked potential). This helps the surgeon preserve the nerve or prevent nerve damage.
- Intra-operative MRI (iMRI): Provides continuous images of the brain and spine during surgery, allowing the surgeon to precisely access remote areas of the brain and thoroughly treat diseased areas without damaging healthy tissue.
- Microsurgery: The surgeon sees the area through a high-powered microscope, so as much tumor tissue as possible is removed and healthy tissue is left untouched.
- Ultrasonic aspirators: Sound waves cause vibrations that break up the tumor. Any fragments are aspirated, or “swept up,” much like a vacuum.
Conditions treated
Information about brain tumors in children |
