Our Centers for Brain and Spine Tumors in New Jersey

CNSO employs a conservative philosophy toward treatment, always considering whether a non-invasive approach will be effective. When it comes to tumor treatment, however, conservative methods are not always the best answer. Spine or brain surgery is often required for a complete and long-term cure from brain or spine tumors, including cancer.

The comprehensive neurosurgical team at CNSO is proficient in delivering surgical treatment for a wide variety of brain and spine tumors. They bring their expert service to New Jersey hospital affiliates, allowing patients to find treatment for the following:

Astrocytoma

Astrocytes, also called astroglia, are a subtype of glial cells responsible for supporting neurons and providing structure to the nervous system. Astrocytoma is a tumorous growth that forms from astrocytes in the brain or spine. Low-grade astrocytoma is considered benign and non-cancerous and may be managed long-term. High-grade astrocytoma is malignant and requires immediate tumor removal to prevent rapid growth.

Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone tumor that develops in cartilage cells. While it most commonly occurs in other parts of the body, primarily the knee, femur, pelvis, or arm, it may rarely occur in spinal bones (vertebrae). Most chondrosarcomas grow slowly. Other types grow rapidly and present a high risk of metastasizing (spreading) to other parts of the body, requiring prompt treatment.

Chordoma

Chordoma is a rare tumor that forms in the spinal bones (vertebrae). It can occur anywhere along the spine or at the base of the skull. Though slow-growing, chordoma is considered malignant, meaning tumor cells may spread to nearby tissue. It also has a high risk of metastasizing to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, or skin.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a type of cystic tumor that grows near the pituitary gland. It is typically slow-growing and benign, meaning it is not cancerous. As craniopharyngioma grows, it blocks the production of hormones from the pituitary gland. In childhood, this may mean a lack of growth or delayed puberty. In adults, this causes a variety of symptoms that make craniopharyngioma difficult to identify.

Ependymoma and Sub-Ependymoma

Cerebrospinal fluid is a fluid that surrounds, moisturizes, and protects the brain and spinal cord. It is transported through the body by passageways lined with ependymal cells. Ependymoma is a type of tumor that forms in these cells. Ependymoma may be slow-growing and benign, or it may be cancerous. Though it may occur at any age, this tumor type is most common in children.

Ewing Sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor that develops in skeletal bones and the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles and connective tissues. It is most common in the pelvis and leg bones, but may also occur in the spine. Ewing sarcoma is cancerous with a high risk of metastasizing to other parts of the body. It is most common in children and young adults.

Giant Cell Tumor (GCT)

Giant cell tumor, also called GCT, is a rare type of bone tumor that typically grows near a joint. It may develop anywhere in the body, including along the spine. It is most common between ages 20 and 40 after normal skeletal bone growth has finished. GCT is fast-growing and aggressive, but it is not cancerous. This means that it has a low likelihood of metastasizing.

Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme is a type of aggressive Grade IV astrocytoma. It may develop as glioblastoma from the beginning, or it may evolve from a lower grade of astrocytoma. Glioblastoma multiforme is extremely fast-growing and cancerous. It causes rapid damage and may kill a patient in under six months if left untreated. Seeking medical care is imperative for survival.

Hemangioma

Hemangioma is a tumor made of a buildup of blood cells. It may develop anywhere on the body, including along the back. Hemangiomas typically appear in the first month after birth, appearing as a dark birthmark or a red, rubbery bump. Most hemangiomas go away by themselves by age 10. However, parents may consider treatment for hemangiomas in sensitive locations or if they interfere with bodily functions.

Hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastoma is a type of tumor that forms in the lining of blood vessels. It typically occurs in the brain, spinal cord, or retina (back of the eye). Hemangioblastoma is benign, meaning it grows slowly and is not cancerous. Large hemangioblastomas may press on surrounding tissues and interfere with normal function, however, surgical treatment is often recommended.

Meningioma

The meninges are layers of tissue that protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningioma is a tumor that forms in the meninges. It typically grows slowly and may go for years before being detected. Many cases of meningioma are detected incidentally when physicians conduct medical imaging scans for other conditions. Meningioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor.

Metastatic Tumor

A metastatic tumor is a tumor that originated elsewhere in the body and metastasized into the brain or spinal cord. Most metastatic spine tumors originate in the lungs, breasts, or lymphatic system, while most metastatic brain tumors start in the blood. If a tumor is metastatic, it is most likely cancerous. Treatment is required for both the metastatic tumor and its progenitor.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a tumor that forms in plasma cells inside the bone marrow. This tumor type may form anywhere in the body, including in the vertebrae. Multiple myeloma is cancerous but tends to be slow-growing. Tumor cells may crowd out healthy plasma cells, however, interfering with antibody production and the body’s ability to combat infection.

Nerve Sheath Tumor

Neurons (nerve cells) are surrounded by sheaths of connective tissue and myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerves to allow clearer signal transmission. Nerve sheath tumors grow in the cells of this sheath. This category includes schwannoma, neurofibroma, and other types of tumors. Some types are cancerous, while others are benign.

Neurofibroma

Neurofibroma is a type of nerve sheath tumor that forms in the peripheral nervous system. This means it does not form in the spinal cord itself, but in the nerves that branch off it to reach other parts of the body. Most neurofibromas are benign and noncancerous. These tumors may not cause medical problems. In rare cases, however, neurofibroma may become cancerous and require treatment.

Osteoblastoma

Osteoblastoma is an extremely rare tumor that develops in bone. It most commonly affects the lower spinal bones. Osteoblastoma is slow-growing and benign, meaning it does not spread to other tissues. It attacks healthy bone tissue and creates an abnormal structure called an osteoid. The osteoid is weaker than normal tissue, making bones vulnerable to fracture.

Osteochondroma

Osteochondroma is the most common type of bone tumor. It appears most often during childhood and forms in the growth plate, a disk of cartilage that eventually hardens into bone to facilitate growth. Osteochondroma is slow-growing and benign. Most tumors are painless and will stop growing when the patient does. Rarely, multiple osteochondromas may interfere with normal bone growth.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of malignant, or fast-growing, spine tumor. It may also occur elsewhere in the body, such as in the arms, legs, or ribs. Osteosarcoma attacks healthy bone tissue and creates abnormal, cancerous bone tissue. The abnormal tissue is weak and prone to fracture. Unexplained broken bones are the most common complaint to prompt a diagnosis.

Pituitary Tumor

The pituitary gland is located near the base of the skull. It produces hormones responsible for a variety of important body functions. Pituitary tumors form in this gland. Most cases are benign and non-cancerous, meaning they grow slowly and will not spread. Pituitary tumors may interfere with hormone production, however, creating health problems if not treated.

Schwannoma

Schwann cells protect and provide support to neurons. Schwannoma, also called neuroma, is a type of tumor that forms in the Schwann cells. It may form anywhere in the nervous system, including near the brain and spine. Most schwannoma is slow-growing and non-cancerous. Rarely, however, schwannoma may become cancerous. Cancerous schwannoma is sometimes called soft tissue sarcoma.

Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)

Vestibular schwannoma is one of the most common types of schwannoma. Also called acoustic neuroma, this cancer forms in Schwann cells found near the ear. Like other schwannoma types, it is benign and non-cancerous. Large vestibular schwannomas, however, may interfere with hearing, balance, and other important functions. Surgery is required to prevent further damage.