Roper St. Francis

Brain & spine cancer

At Roper St. Francis Healthcare, we provide advanced, personalized care for brain and spine cancer diagnoses, guiding you through your healing journey.

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Our approach

You deserve care that’s clear, coordinated and built around your needs. Our care team, including: neuro-oncology specialists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and support specialists take the time to listen, answer your questions and ensure you and your family feel supported. They will collaborate closely, bringing together advanced treatments and access to clinical trials from your first appointment to discuss symptoms or diagnostic needs to your last follow-up visit after cancer treatment. 

Conditions we treat

Brain and spinal cord tumors are sometimes difficult to diagnose. We care for a wide range of brain and spinal cord tumors, from more common diagnoses to rare and complex ones. 

We provide comprehensive evaluations and individualized care plans for patients with a wide range of brain and spinal tumors, including:

  • Primary brain tumors
  • Gliomas and other complex brain tumors
  • Metastatic brain tumors (cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body)
  • Spinal cord tumors

brain tumor - article

From symptoms to treatment: What to expect

Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors can vary widely depending on location and size. Some develop gradually, while others appear more suddenly.

Patient getting an MRI

Common symptoms can include:

  • Changes in memory, mood or personality
  • Changes in vision, hearing or balance
  • Difficulty with speech or understanding language
  • Persistent or worsening headaches
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, a timely evaluation by a specialized team can help guide next steps and provide clarity.

Diagnosing brain and spinal cord tumors often involves advanced imaging and expert interpretation — and getting an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care. 
 
Your evaluation may include:

  • Biopsy or surgical evaluation when needed to confirm diagnosis
  • Blood and urine tests to assess overall health
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid
  • MRI or CT imaging toidentifyand evaluate tumors
  • Neurologic exams to assess function and symptoms

Our team works closely together to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and a clear understanding of your condition, so we can create a precise, personalized treatment plan.

Brain and spinal cord tumors can develop in different ways. Some begin in the brain or spine (primary tumors), while others spread from cancer elsewhere in the body (metastatic tumors).

Common tumor types include:

  • Gliomas, which begin in the brain’s supportive tissue
  • Meningiomas, which form in the lining around the brain and spinal cord
  • Schwannomas, which develop in the cells surrounding nerves

While the exact causes aren’t always known, certain factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Certain genetic conditions
  • Exposure to high levels of radiation
  • Weakened immune system
Neurosurgeons at a table

Our approach to brain and spine cancer treatment blends leading-edge technology with a deep commitment to helping you get back to living your best life. Because every tumor is different, treatment may involve a combination of therapies designed to target the tumor while protecting healthy brain and spinal tissue.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Clinical trials for brain cancer, offering promising new options
  • Advanced surgical care to remove as much of the tumor as possible when appropriate
  • Chemotherapy that’s designed to interrupt cancer cell growth
  • Targeted therapies that focus on specific tumor characteristics
  • TrueBeam radiation therapy for highly precise, targeted treatment

Your brain and spine care team

We provide a full network of professionals who support every aspect of your journey, including primary care doctors and neurologists in the field, oncology nurses and navigators, neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, speech and movement specialists, and more.

  • Nicholas Schmidt Jr.
    Accepting New Patients

    Nicholas Schmidt Jr., MD

    Benign Hematology, Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hematology Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Thoracic Medical Oncology

  • Katie Wade
    Accepting New Patients

    Katie Wade, PAC

    Neurosurgery

  • Michael Hall

    Michael Hall, MD

    Radiation Oncology

  • Brian Cuddy

    Brian Cuddy, MD

    Spine Surgery, Neurosurgery

    4.8 of 5 stars

  • George Khoury
    Accepting New Patients

    George Khoury, MD

    Brain Tumor Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Neurosurgery

    4.8 of 5 stars

  • Ryan Uberman
    Accepting New Patients

    Ryan Uberman, PAC

    Neurosurgery

  • Matthew Neal
    Accepting New Patients

    Matthew Neal, MD

    Brain Tumor Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Neurosurgery

    4.8 of 5 stars

  • Stephen Ramey Sr.

    Stephen Ramey Sr., MD

    Radiation Oncology

Locations

Our cancer care services are available across multiple locations, making it easier to receive expert care close to home. From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, we’re here to support you wherever you are in your journey.

People also ask

Get the answers to commonly asked questions about brain and spine cancer.

Support starts here

Whether you’re looking for answers or ready to begin care, reaching out is a simple first step. We’ll help you find the right specialist and make it easy to get started.

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For referrals outside of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, please call or fax us at: (844) 975-6683. If you are within the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system, please use Epic.

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