Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors
Tumors of the brain and spinal cord affect the body’s central nervous system, the control center for movement, memory, and vital functions. Even small tumors in these areas can cause significant symptoms and require highly specialized care.
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we understand the urgency that comes with a diagnosis like this. Our oncologists combine decades of clinical expertise with access to leading-edge therapies and clinical trials.
Call us at (310) 552-9999 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
Types of Brain & Spinal Cord Cancer
We approach care for brain and spinal cord tumors with the understanding that not all tumors are the same. Central nervous system (CNS) tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their impact depends on their location and how quickly they grow.
We are experts in diagnosing and treating different types of brain and spinal cord tumors.
These tumors develop from glial cells in the brain. Subtypes include:
- Astrocytomas
- Oligodendrogliomas
- Ependymomas
These tumors develop in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
These are fast-growing tumors that typically form in the cerebellum.
These are tumors made up of both nerve cells (neurons) and glial cells.
This tumor originates from Schwann cells, the cells that form the protective covering around nerves.
These slow-growing tumors develop near the pituitary gland and the optic nerves at the base of the brain.
These are tumors that typically occur at the base of the skull or the sacrum (lower spine).
Removing Barriers to Advanced Care
For patients facing brain and spinal cord cancers, delays and limited options can make a difficult diagnosis even harder. We work to remove those barriers.
- See an Oncologist Without Delay: We prioritize same-week appointments, so you don’t wait weeks or months for care.
- Access to Breakthrough Therapies: Our center leads in clinical trial enrollment and provides access to investigational drugs and compassionate use INDs.
- Trusted Second Opinions: Patients across the U.S. turn to us for complex or late-stage cases. Many come to us after being told they have no remaining options. Here, there is almost always another path forward.
- Comprehensive Patient Support: We help patients navigate insurance, secure financial assistance for treatments, and arrange travel or lodging support.
Our mission is to transform uncertainty into clarity and limited options into real hope.
Symptoms to Watch for Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors
What effect a brain and spinal cord tumor has on your body depends on the type and location of the tumor. However, most symptoms are linked to increased pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure) caused by the growing tumor mass.
Common signs include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Seizures
- Vision or hearing changes
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Personality or mood changes
- Nausea, vomiting, or excessive sleepiness
Other symptoms tumors may cause, based on their location, include the following.
- Cerebrum: Weakness on one side, speech difficulties, and memory loss
- Cerebellum: Difficulty walking, dizziness, trouble with fine motor skills
- Brainstem: Double vision, facial weakness, problems swallowing or breathing
- Spinal cord: Weakness, numbness, loss of bladder/bowel control
Diagnosis of Brain & Spinal Cord Cancer
Central nervous system tumors can cause symptoms similar to other neurological conditions. That is why a thorough evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis.
Our diagnostic approach may include:
- Neurological Exam: Check your reflexes, coordination, vision, hearing, and balance to look for signs of nervous system changes.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging studies, such as MRIs and CT scans, detect the tumor, its size, location, and type.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tumor tissue is examined to confirm whether a tumor is benign or malignant.
- Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap): Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be tested for abnormal cells, proteins, or genetic markers.
- Advanced Techniques: Functional MRI, PET scans, and molecular testing may be performed for information about a tumor's genetic features.
Our oncology team works closely with leading neurosurgeons, neurologists, and oncologists to interpret results with precision. In many cases, we can arrange same-week diagnostic appointments, helping you move quickly from uncertainty to a clear plan of action.
Our Treatment Approach
Brain and spinal cord cancers require extraordinary precision because they affect the body’s most vital functions. Our team of expert oncologists, led by Dr. P. Sant Chawla, is nationally recognized for advancing cancer research.
With over 30 years of leadership in cancer treatment, our center combines advanced science with compassionate care to give patients new options and renewed hope.
Faster Access to Care: We focus on prompt access and try to see most patients within the same week of inquiry.
Treatment Options Beyond Standard Care: We provide access to investigational drugs, compassionate use INDs, and off-label therapies when traditional treatments fall short, giving patients options others cannot.
Expert Collaboration: We work with top neurosurgeons, neurologists, pathologists, and radiologists to create treatment plans that balance effectiveness with preserving neurological function.
Focus on Function & Quality of Life: Our cancer care focuses on tumor destruction and also on managing side effects and improving your quality of life during and after treatment.
Whole-Body Care: From nutrition to supportive therapies, we address both the physical and emotional aspects of your cancer journey.
Treatment Options for Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors
Your care may include a combination of the following therapies:
- Radiation Therapy: Advanced, precision-guided radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy brain or spinal cord tissue.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment option uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth and is often combined with surgery or radiation.
- Surgery: The goal is to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible. For tumors in highly sensitive areas, surgery may be used in combination with other treatments.
- Targeted Therapy: These innovative drugs block the specific proteins or genetic changes that drive tumor growth, slowing or stopping cancer cells.
Access to Clinical Trials & Innovative Therapies
Many patients come to us after being told elsewhere that no more options remain. Our center is one of the leading enrollers in clinical trials for rare and complex cancers, including brain and spinal cord tumors.
We also provide access to:
- Trial Enrollment for HMO & Kaiser Patients: Expanding opportunities beyond standard coverage
- Compassionate Use / Single-Patient INDs: Access to investigational drugs outside of a formal trial
- Off-Label Treatments: Evidence-based use of approved drugs beyond their original indication
- Financial Assistance Programs: Assistance with applying for financial aid for treatment costs, and non-medical expenses such as travel and lodging
Advanced Care for Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, you have access to world-renowned expertise, advanced therapies, and compassionate care all in one place.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Cancer Center of Southern California, we see new patients much faster than most major institutions, often within a week of inquiry. We understand that time is critical for cancer patients and work to eliminate long wait times.
No. Some tumors are benign (non-cancerous), but because they develop in delicate areas, they can still cause serious problems. Malignant tumors grow more aggressively and may invade nearby tissue. Both types require expert evaluation and treatment.
Seek medical attention if you experience new or worsening headaches, seizures, sudden vision or hearing changes, unexplained weakness, or loss of coordination. These symptoms can be urgent and should be assessed quickly.
Yes. We are one of the leading enrollers in clinical trials and frequently have studies open for rare and complex tumors. Many patients are eligible for innovative therapies here that may not be offered at other centers.
Absolutely. Many of our patients come for second opinions, especially when told they have no other options. We review your records promptly and help you understand all possible paths forward.
