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.
The Abramson Cancer Center hosts a wide range of materials and activities that provide education and support to address key areas of concern for cancer patients and their loved ones. We are proud that many of our innovative patient education programs have been recognized by national groups, including the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Patient Education Network.
Our educational materials and support activities help people deal with the physical and emotional consequences of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also assist patients and families to resume active lives after treatment.
Our support group meetings provide information on topics of ... read more Support
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.
During her week at college orientation at Columbia University in late August 2008, Annalisa Meier, an outgoing, self-reliant teenager, first noticed that she wasn't feeling well. She began having vivid nightmares and experienced an onslaught of headaches. In her first regular class, September 2, 2008, her jaw began twitching uncontrollably. After class, Annalisa made her way back to her dorm room and called her Mother, Pilar. While on the phone with her Mother, Annalisa fell to the floor and lost consciousness. When Annalisa regained consciousness, she called Pilar again, who "talked her" across campus to the Columbia University's Medical Center.
OncoLink - Brain Cancer: The Basics
Penn Medicine Presents - Latest Advances In the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Gliomas - A CME Certified Activity Learn More
Media Hub for Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors - Watch Videos!
The Penn Gamma Knife® Center -- Blade-Free Brain Surgery... Learn More
Learn More About Adult Brain Tumors at OncoLink
Learn More About Childhood Brain Tumors at OncoLink
Learn More About Proton Therapy at OncoLink
OncoLink TV: Brain Tumors -Confronting the Challenge Together - On-demand webcast from the Abramson Cancer Center's conference Brain Tumors: Confronting the Challenge Together.
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