Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Brain and spinal cord tumors are more treatable than you might imagine. Contact us today if you or a loved one needs treatment.
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors Our Neurosurgeons Treat
At Apex Spine & Neurosurgery, our board-certified neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating various types of brain and spinal cord tumors. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can significantly impact neurological function. Understanding these conditions is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Types of Brain Tumors
Gliomas
- Gliomas are tumors that arise from glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells. Common types include:Astrocytomas: Including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type
- Oligodendrogliomas: Typically slow-growing tumors
- Ependymomas: Tumors that form in the lining of the ventricles or spinal cord
Meningiomas
These tumors develop in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign but can still cause significant symptoms due to their location.
Pituitary Tumors
These tumors form in the pituitary gland and can affect hormone production. They may be functional (hormone-secreting) or non-functional.
Acoustic Neuromas
Also known as vestibular schwannomas, these benign tumors develop on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance.
Medulloblastomas
These fast-growing tumors are most common in children and typically form in the cerebellum.
Types of Spinal Cord Tumors
Intramedullary Tumors
- These tumors grow inside the spinal cord and include:Astrocytomas: Similar to those found in the brain
- Ependymomas: Can occur in both the brain and spinal cord
Extramedullary Tumors
These tumors develop outside the spinal cord but within the protective covering of the spine. They include:
- Meningiomas: Similar to those found in the brain
- Schwannomas: Tumors that develop on the nerve roots
- Neurofibromas: Associated with neurofibromatosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors can vary depending on the tumor’s location, size, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vision or hearing problems
- Balance and coordination issues
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Back pain or neck pain
- Difficulty walking
Diagnosis
At Apex Spine & Neurosurgery, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess brain and spinal cord tumors, including:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Offers cross-sectional images of the affected area
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: Can help determine if a tumor is benign or malignant
- Biopsy: Surgical removal of a small sample of the tumor for laboratory analysis
Treatment Options
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific condition and may include:Surgery:
- To remove as much of the tumor as safely possible
- Radiation Therapy: To target and destroy tumor cells
- Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells or slow tumor growth
- Targeted Drug Therapy: To interfere with specific molecules involved in tumor growth
- Immunotherapy: To help the body’s immune system fight the tumor
About Apex Spine & Neurosurgery
At Apex Spine & Neurosurgery, our team of experienced neurosurgeons is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. We offer state-of-the-art treatments and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor, or if you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, contact Apex Spine & Neurosurgery today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
Patients come from all over Georgia to undergo treatment from our neurosurgeons. We see patients from all around Atlanta from cities like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Vinings, Smryna, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Broohaven, Suwanee & Dacula as well as Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Warner Robbins, Savannah, Albany, & Valdosta.
Contact Us
Columbus, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 2000 10th Avenue, Suite 310, Columbus, GA 31901
Bethlehem, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 426 Exchange Boulevard, Suite 500, Bethlehem, GA 30620