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Tumors
of the Skull, Brain and Spinal Cord
Loyola
University Health System (Loyola) treats malignant and
benign tumors of the skull, brain and spinal cord through
a team approach that includes neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists,
neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists
and neuroradiologists. Surgeons use the latest technologies
in the operating room, which enable them to remove tumors
while preserving the patient’s function and quality
of life. Loyola was among the first centers to use computerized
surgical navigation systems and has gained more than
a decade of experience with the technologies. The team
can offer patients innovative approaches to the medical
management of brain tumors, including participation
in clinical trials and national cooperative studies.
Neuro-Oncology
Program
Patients with brain, nervous system and head and neck
cancers can benefit from the consultation of multiple
specialists in a convenient, multidisciplinary clinic
held in Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center.
Meanwhile in the Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, scientists
are studying how tumors grow and thrive in order to
develop new treatments. One major avenue of research
is investigation of the role of calcium ions in the
life cycle of brain tumor cells. The study may shed
light on the potential use of calcium blocking drugs
to eradicate tumors.
Cranial
Base Program
Loyola’s renowned Center for Cranial Base Surgery
treats patients with tumors at the undersurface of the
brain. It is an area that borders on the brain, ear,
eyes, nose, throat and neck. Neurological surgeons,
otolaryngologists and other specialists each bring their
unique expertise to treat these tumors, which often
surround the nerves and blood vessels traveling to or
from the underside of the brain. The center has developed
innovative methods for removing difficult-to-reach tumors
that may otherwise have been inoperable.
Stereotactic
Radiation Oncology Program
Loyola’s neurosurgeons collaborate with radiation
oncologists on a cutting-edge stereotactic radiation
oncology program. Stereotactic radiation is effective
in treating small tumors of the head and brain when
conventional surgery or standard radiation therapy may
pose too great a risk to the patient. The procedure
delivers a single dose of radiation that is precisely
matched to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor,
while protecting nearby brain structures. Loyola is
one of the few centers in the country to acquire a new
shaped-beam stereotactic radiotherapy system, which
targets tumors and other lesions with submillimeter
accuracy.
Locations
and Contacts
A full spectrum of otolaryngology services
is available at:
Loyola
Outpatient Center in Maywood
Oakbrook
Terrace Medical Center
Cardinal
Bernardin Cancer Center
If
you would like to make an appointment or need assistance
to find an appropriate physician, please call us at
(888) LUHS-888.
Related
Links
Center for Cranial Base
Surgery
Center
for Cranial Base Surgery brochure (362K) 
Head
and Neck Oncology Clinic
Neurological surgery services
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