Brain and Spinal Tumor Services

There are various treatments for brain and spinal tumors available at UT Medical Center including CyberKnife.

A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue. Tumors may occur in the brain or the spinal cord and can be of many origins and tissue types. Surgery to remove tumors can be challenging because of the small space of the skull and spine and because of the chance of damaging vital parts of the brain or spine surrounding the tumor. However, tumors on the brain's surface often can be removed with less difficulty.

Whether a noncancerous or cancerous tumor, the treatment of either can be challenging and requires special skill, years of experience and specialized surgical equipment. Physicians at the Brain and Spine Institute use premier technology and equipment including positron emission tomography (PET) and stereotactic guidance such as CyberKnife.

Some tumors produce no symptoms, but symptoms that often accompany tumors can include the following.

• fevers
• chills
• night sweats
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• malaise

Tests often used to detect tumors include CT scan, MRI, PET scan, complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistries, biopsy, bone marrow biopsy and chest X-rays.

You always should call your healthcare provider if you notice any suspicious lumps or bumps on your body, any of the previously mentioned symptoms or if you notice a new or changing mole on your skin.