Brain and spinal cord tumors are those that are formed by the abnormal growth of cells and may begin in different areas of the brain or spinal cord. Tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Together, the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS).
Patients with brain or spinal cord tumors are cared for by our brain and spinal cord team, also called the neuro-oncology team.
Interdisciplinary Neuro-oncology Tumor Board
Precise diagnosis of the type and progression of the tumor is crucial to the successful treatment of nervous system tumors. The interdisciplinary neuro-oncology tumor board consists of all the doctors and health care professionals needed to accurately diagnose your particular condition and oversee your care.
The entire team meets during a weekly conference. At that time, they review their findings from your clinic visit as well as any medical documents you have provided such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans, pathology slides and medical reports. Your lead doctor will then discuss with you the team's conclusions and recommendations.
In 2003 her doctors found a cancerous brain tumor, estimating that she had a year and a half to live. Sallie Nangeroni wanted the best neurosurgeon in the region. She came to HUP. Sally was rightfully scared. Her father died of brain cancer when he was just 40 years old, and her husband's brother had just passed away from a brain tumor. At the time she was diagnosed, Sallie just hoped that she would be able to see all three of her sons graduate from high school. Now, 7 years later, she has seen two of them graduate from college, with one now in medical school. Her next goal is to see her youngest son graduate from college next year.
Stand Up to Cancer
Peter O'Dwyer, MD, professor of Hematology-Oncology and program director of Development Therapeutics in the Abramson Cancer Center, was interviewed on NBC10's 10! Show about Penn's work as part of the Stand Up to Cancer Dream Team... Read more
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