The Center for Neurosciences is the home of Southern Arizona’s only Neuro-Oncologist. Neuro-Oncology is the multidisciplinary specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Our Neuro-Oncologist works closely with the full range of subspecialists involved in treating these tumors including neurosurgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists and neuroradiologists.
Tumors affecting the nervous system can arise from the brain or spinal cord (a primary tumor) or can spread to the brain or spinal cord from a tumor that formed in another organ, such as the lung, kidney or thyroid (a metastatic tumor). Brain tumors are much more common than spinal tumors. While some brain tumors may not be cancerous (also called benign), they can still be very dangerous because of their effect on surrounding tissue.
Some of the common symptoms of brain tumors are:
- Headaches that become progressively more frequent and eventually constant
- Changes in personality
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Seizures
If a tumor is suspected, our experts will order either an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computed tomography) scan to learn if a tumor is present and to determine its size and position.
Almost all tumors of the nervous system will need to be removed surgically by one of our neurosurgeons, but, depending on the type of tumor, a patient may also require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Our multidisciplinary Brain Tumor Center team holds weekly meetings devoted entirely to reviewing the progress of patients with tumors to ensure each patient has the most innovative and effective treatment plan.
External Imaging Review
Our Brain Tumor Center offers External Imaging Review for anyone diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor. This External Imaging Review is intended to provide an additional opinion regarding the treatment of tumors.
Clinical Trials
Our team of highly trained specialists is dedicated to finding cures and is committed to the compassionate care of patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. We work with our patients to ensure they have access to the most promising experimental treatments.
Learn more about clinical trials
To schedule an appointment, please call us at (520) 795-7750.