Top Neurosurgeons for Brain Tumor Treatments in New Jersey
B
rain tumors impact hundreds of thousands of patients and their families each year. If you or a loved one is seeking an accurate diagnosis and compassionate treatment, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics throughout New Jersey, is here to care for you. With locations in Bergen, Morris, Passaic, and Hudson, Counties, our expert neurosurgeons utilize state-of-the-art technology and the latest advancements in brain surgery, such as minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, gamma knife, radiation oncology, and chemotherapy, to ensure the best possible outcome.
Types of Brain Tumors
At Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, we treat every form of a brain tumor. Brain tumors are categorized based on the type of brain cell which abnormally proliferates to from the tumor. The most common brain tumors are categorized into one of the following:
Pituitary Tumors
The pituitary gland is responsible for controlling the function of the testicles or ovaries and thyroid and adrenal glands. A craniopharyngioma, which is a benign brain tumor, grows near the pituitary gland. When tumors develop near or within the pituitary gland, they may cause an increase in the following hormone secretions:
- Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)
- Growth
- Prolactin
- Thyroid-stimulating or hormone-secreting
Gliomas
Gliomas are the types of brain tumors that develop from the glia cell that is within nerve and brain tissue. Under the category of gliomas, the following types of brain and spine tumors are commonly seen:
- Glioblastoma – One tumor originating from the glial cells which is extremely aggressive
- Glioblastoma multiforme – Multiple glioblastomas in the brain
- Astrocytoma – a large group of glial brain tumors that grow in either the brain or spine. They develop from cells called astrocytes that have a star-shaped appearance
- Oligodendroglioma and Oligodendroblastoma – originate from the cells which form myelin and function to insulate the brain
- Ependymoma and Ependymoblastoma – arise from the ependymal cells that line the ventricle of the brain
- Medulloblastoma – is a tumor found in the cerebellum of the brain. It most commonly occurs in children
A myriad of brain tumors get their name from the type of cell in which the tumor originates.
Meningiomas
The brain and spine are covered by a thin layer of tissue called the meninges. This tissue can develop benign brain tumors or spine tumors. It is one of the most common brain tumors that form. Meningiomas comprise 10 to 15 percent of all brain tumors. It is also one of the easiest to surgically remove, then have a full recovery.
Schwannomas
The Schwann cells cover nerve fibers. These cells can form benign tumors throughout the nervous system called schwannomas. Commonly they form tumors on the vestibularcochlear nerve which travels from the brain to the ear. This type of tumor is called an acoustic neuroma and is benign but can cause death if not removed because of the pressure it exerts on the surrounding structures.
Brain tumors are further classified as either primary or secondary tumors. A primary brain tumor is one that first forms in the brain. This primary tumor may or may not traveled to other areas within the body. In contrast, secondary brain tumor, refers to when the primary tumor forms in a different body part then spreads to the brain. Secondary tumors are more common and are more often cancerous.
Signs and Symptoms
Brain tumor symptoms may vary depending on the specific type, location within the brain, the size of the tumor, the patient’s age, existing health conditions, and the tumor’s rate of progression. Common symptoms patients with brain tumors experience many be a combination of any of the following:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of vision or the loss of a visual field
- Mobility impairments
- Personality change
- Seizures
- Sleepiness
- New headaches of an increasing severity
- Cognitive impairments (i.e. not understanding language)
- Memory problems
- Pins and needles
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Hearing loss
- Loss of balance
Diagnosis and Treatment
CNSO and its top neurosurgeons have years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of brain tumors. If a patient is experiencing any suggestive symptoms, neurosurgeons first begin with a thorough history and physical evaluation to determine if there is an area of the brain that could be affected by the growth of a tumor. Assuming there is a concern, CNSO would order a radiographic image to confirm or rule out the existence of a mass or tumor in the brain. If a tumor is discovered on imaging, then the CNSO neurosurgeons would analyze the staging of the tumor and discuss the best approach options for treating the tumor. Through a collaborative approach, the CNSO neurosurgeons will deploy the best treatment plan, depending on the classification stage of tumor, may include:
- Medications
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Palliative care
- Targeted biological agents
- And more
Learn More by Consulting with Our Top Neurosurgeons
Place your trust in the board-certified neurosurgeons at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. Their team understands that a brain tumor diagnosis will drastically impact a patient’s life. We strive to provide expediently the most advanced, convenient, comprehensive care possible in Northern New Jersey. To schedule an appointment for more information, contact us.
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Our Medical Staff
In order to provide an accurate diagnosis with the most effective treatment option for “back problems” and brain tumors, CNSO is led by neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. Under the care of our award-winning neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons, Northern NJ patients can have the confidence that their medical condition will be handled with consideration for their comfort and long-term well-being as well as technical excellence.
