Oncology in Tucson
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. However, at Radiant Oncology, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care. Our neuro-oncologist specializes in treating brain and spinal tumors, using cutting-edge technology and innovative treatments. We understand that cancer can be a frightening diagnosis, and our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care to each and every patient.
Neuro-Oncology
Neuro-oncology is a multidisciplinary specialty focused on diagnosing and treating patients with primary brain and spinal cord tumors. These tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
A glioma is the most frequent kind of primary brain tumor in adults, and it develops in the cells that make up the nervous system’s supporting tissues. Other types of primary brain tumors include meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primary CNS lymphomas. Our neuro-oncologist works closely with a team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and medical oncologists, to provide comprehensive care for our patients.
Tumors affecting the nervous system can also arise from other parts of the body and spread to the brain and spine. These are called metastatic brain tumors, and they are the most common type of brain tumor in adults. Metastatic tumors can originate from many different types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer.
The goal of treatment for brain tumors is to control the growth of the tumor and relieve symptoms. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the type of tumor, its location, and the patient’s overall health.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, we understand that this can be a very difficult and confusing time. Our goal is to provide you with the information and resources you need to make the best decisions for your care. We are here to answer your questions about medical oncology and support you every step of the way.
Common Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size and location. The most common symptoms of brain tumors include:
- Headaches that become worse over time
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Problems with balance or walking
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Changes in vision, hearing, or speech
If a tumor is suspected, our experts will order either an MRI or a CT (computed tomography) scan. These imaging tests can help to determine the size and location of the tumor.
To provide excellence in cancer and patient care, we utilize the latest technology and evidence-based treatments. We also focus on developing a personalized treatment plan for each patient based on their unique needs and goals.
Treatment for Brain Tumors
The treatment for brain tumors will vary depending on several factors. The most common treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery is a treatment option that is likely to be part of your treatment plan. Our neurosurgeons are experts in performing complex brain surgery. We utilize the most advanced techniques and technologies to minimize invasiveness, optimize outcomes, and reduce side effects.
Neuro-Oncology
Radiant Oncology is home to the only neuro-oncology program in Southern Arizona. Our team of experts offers comprehensive, leading-edge care for patients with brain and spinal tumors. We offer a full range of services, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Radiation Oncology
Combined with our neuro-oncologist and radiation oncologist team, we offer the most comprehensive radiation therapy program in Southern Arizona. We use leading technology and techniques to deliver precise, targeted radiation therapy while minimizing side effects.
Neurosurgery
Initial treatment for most brain tumors will be surgery. The type of surgery performed will depend on the type and location of the tumor. In some cases, a craniotomy may be performed. This is a procedure in which a portion of the skull is removed to access the brain. Surgery may also be used to biopsy the tumor or to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
External Imaging Review
Our brain tumor center offers an external imaging review service. This service provides an expert opinion on brain tumor imaging studies from anywhere in the world. A board-certified neurosurgeon and neuro-oncologist will review your images and provide a comprehensive report within five business days.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology is a specialty that uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for cancer, and it can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Our radiation oncologists collaborate with oncologists and surgeons to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Radiation treatments can be used to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, or relieve symptoms. It is a highly effective treatment for many types of cancer, and it has been shown to improve patient outcomes.
Radiation Therapy Treatment Options
Radiation therapy uses a high-energy beam to kill cancer cells. The most common type of radiation therapy is external beam radiation therapy, which uses a machine outside the body to direct the energy beam at cancer. The radiation kills the cancer cells while sparing the normal cells. The patient cannot see, smell, taste, or feel the radiation.
Prior to starting radiation therapy, the patient undergoes a simulation. A CT scan is performed, and the patient is positioned on the treatment table. The radiation oncologist maps out target areas and healthy tissues. This information is used to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Different techniques can be used to deliver the radiation, depending on the type and location of cancer.
Our radiation oncologists will choose the most effective type of radiation therapy to destroy or sterilize the cancer cells while minimizing the damage to healthy tissue. Once the radiation oncologist has completed the simulation and developed the treatment plan, the patient will undergo treatment, which may involve:
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) – An advanced mode of high-precision radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled X-ray accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a tumor or specific areas within the tumor.
- Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) – A type of radiation therapy that uses imaging technology to precisely target the radiation dose to the tumor while sparing normal tissues.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) – A highly precise form of radiation therapy that uses specialized equipment to treat malignant and benign tumors of the brain and other areas of the body.
- RapidArc® Radiation Therapy – A form of IMRT that delivers radiation therapy in a single, continuous treatment. RapidArc® allows for shorter treatment times and fewer side effects.
Dedicated to Providing the Best Possible Care
We understand that brain cancer treatment can be a very difficult journey for patients and their families. We strive to provide the best possible care for our patients while also offering support and resources to help them through this difficult time.
Successful brain tumor care depends on a team of specialists working together to provide the most comprehensive treatment possible. At our center, we have a team of experienced neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, and neurology specialists who specialize in diagnosing and treating brain and spinal cord tumors.
Our interdisciplinary team conducts weekly meetings to review each patient’s case and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. We believe that this approach provides the best possible care for our patients and offers them the best chance for a successful outcome.
Brain Tumor Center
Radiant Oncology’s Brain Tumor Center offers hope to patients with brain tumors. We provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, which means that patients have access to a team of specialists who work together to provide the best possible care. In addition, our use of medical therapy in conjunction with advanced surgical techniques, allows us to offer our patients the best possible chance for a cure.
The successful diagnosis and management of tumors depend on the expertise of a variety of specialists. Our team specializes in neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology. This interdisciplinary team conducts weekly meetings to review each patient’s case and develop an individualized treatment plan. This ensures each patient receives the most appropriate and up-to-date care.
We then work with each patient and their family to help them fully understand the risks and benefits of each treatment option. Our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible outcome, whether that means a cure or long-term control of their disease.
External Imaging Review
Our Brain Tumor Center offers an external imaging review service for patients who have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor. This service is designed to provide an independent, expert opinion on the best course of treatment. Our team of experts will review your medical records and images and then work with you and your family to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Clinical Trials
Our highly trained specialists are constantly exploring new ways to treat brain and spinal cord tumors. We offer a variety of clinical trials for patients with brain tumors, which are designed to test new treatments and improve patient outcomes. We work with our patients to determine if a clinical trial is the right option for them, and we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients in Tucson, AZ.
Connect with Us Today
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and we are here to support you and your family. It takes more courage than anyone knows to fight cancer. Our team of specialists is here to provide you with personalized care and the latest treatments and therapies available.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We offer comprehensive cancer care in Tucson, AZ, and we are here to support you on your journey to recovery.