Brain and Spinal Tumors

At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand the impact a spine or brain tumor diagnosis can have on you and your loved ones. Our nationally recognized neuro-oncology team, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, combines advanced treatment options with compassionate, personalized care to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Our multidisciplinary team of experts includes neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurse navigators who work together to deliver comprehensive care. We offer access to the latest clinical trials through our partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Types of Spine and Brain Tumors We Treat

We treat many different types of tumors, and we know that hearing these medical terms can feel overwhelming at first. Some tumors start in the brain or spine — we call these primary tumors — while others spread there from other parts of the body. These are called metastatic tumors. Whether a tumor is considered benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), our team has the expertise to provide the specialized care our patients need.

Below are some of the main types of tumors we treat, along with what makes each one unique.

Primary Brain Tumors

• Gliomas. Tumors that begin in the brain's supportive tissue.
  • Common symptoms: Headaches, seizures, personality changes, weakness
  • General prognosis: Varies by type and grade
  • Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy

• Meningiomas. Tumors arising from the membranes covering the brain.
  • Common symptoms: Headaches, vision problems, seizures
  • General prognosis: Often favorable with complete removal
  • Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, observation for slow-growing tumors
• Pituitary tumors. Growths in the pituitary gland affecting hormone production.
  • Common symptoms: Vision changes, hormonal imbalances, headaches
  • General prognosis: Generally good with appropriate treatment
  • Treatment options: Surgery, medication, radiation therapy

Spinal Tumors

• Primary spinal cord tumors. Tumors originating in the spinal cord or surrounding structures.
  • Common symptoms: Back pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking
  • General prognosis: Depends on location and type
  • Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy

• Vertebral tumors. Tumors affecting the bones of the spine.
• Common symptoms: Back pain, spinal instability, nerve compression
• General prognosis: Varies based on tumor type and extent
• Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, vertebroplasty

Metastatic Tumors

• Brain metastases. Cancers that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
  • Common symptoms: Headaches, seizures, cognitive changes
  • General prognosis: Varies based on primary cancer type and extent
  • Treatment options: Stereotactic radiosurgery, whole brain radiation, surgery, systemic therapy

• Spine metastases. Cancers that have spread to the spine from other locations.
  • Common symptoms: Back pain, neurological symptoms, spinal instability
  • General prognosis: Dependent on primary cancer type and treatment response
  • Treatment options: Radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy

Rare and Special Types

• Acoustic neuromas. Benign tumors affecting hearing and balance nerves.
  • Common symptoms: Hearing loss, balance problems, tinnitus
  • General prognosis: Generally good with treatment
  • Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, observation

• Skull base tumors. Tumors occurring at the base of the skull.
  • Common symptoms: Varies by location, may affect cranial nerves
  • General prognosis: Depends on tumor type and location
  • Treatment options: Surgery, radiation therapy, targeted treatments

We also treat:

• Astrocytomas
• Carcinomatous meningitis
• Chordomas
• Colloid cysts
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Ependymomas
• Medulloblastomas
• Oligodendrogliomas

Expert Brain and Spinal Tumor Care

If you've been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumor, you're probably wondering what they mean for you. At RWJBarnabas Health, we provide comprehensive care for brain and spine tumors in a state-of-the-art, compassionate environment.

Our expert team combines advanced technology with personalized treatment plans, delivering exceptional care close to home. Our specialists, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and dedicated nurse navigators, work together to support you throughout your treatment journey.

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