Brain and spine cancer care in Northwest Florida

Cancer specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart deliver compassionate, personalized care for brain and spine cancer

Brain and spine cancer care in Northwest Florida

Cancer specialists at Ascension Sacred Heart deliver compassionate, personalized care for brain and spine cancer

  • CALL 850-416-6933

About brain and spine cancer care at Ascension Sacred Heart

At Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Care in Pensacola, our experienced brain and spine cancer specialists are part of a national network of physicians, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for central nervous system cancers, including brain and spinal tumor care — bringing the best of oncology close to home.

Comprehensive care for brain and spine cancer in Pensacola

When you choose Sacred Heart, you get a multidisciplinary team that prioritizes early and personalized treatment delivered by board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, along with a care navigator and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians and other cancer specialists. Your doctors and care team will work with you to develop a customized care plan from diagnosis through survivorship.

When you’re going through cancer care, we’re by your side

Cancer is personal, and so is the way we care for you. At Ascension Sacred Heart, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor and an entire care team dedicated to your care — connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and care navigator will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, your care team develops a plan based on your goals and needs. . And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to your daily life.

A team approach that helps navigate tests and support services

Your care may include imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy or other speciality services. You do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator to help coordinate appointments and connect you with the services you need.

Types of brain and spine cancer

Your doctors and care team at Ascension Sacred Heart deliver a customized care plan for your cancer. We treat many types of brain and spine cancer, including:

  • Astrocytoma
  • Benign tumors
    • Glioma
    • Colloid cyst
  • Brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain from a different part of the body)
  • Ependymoma
  • Malignant tumors
    • Glioblastoma (a sub-type of astrocytomas)
  • Medulloblastoma (common in children)
  • Metastatic spine tumors (most common overall)
  • Pituitary tumors
  • Schwannoma
  • Skull base tumors
  • Spinal tumors

Our brain and spine specialists also provide care for meningioma and other rare conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.

How we diagnose brain and spine cancer

Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. Your care team focuses on identifying whether the tumor is noninvasive or invasive, determining where the tumor began and whether the cancer has spread. We use advanced molecular and genetic testing to help guide treatment planning. To diagnose brain and spine cancer, your doctor may recommend testing, such as:

Advanced imaging procedures help your doctor diagnose all types of brain disease, including primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer (cancers that spread to the brain from another part of the body, also called metastatic cancers).

Biopsy tests analyze brain tissue and spinal fluid to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Blood tests can give your doctor a lot of information. They can detect whether certain elements in your blood are in a normal range, and can help confirm or rule out certain conditions.

Endovascular neurosurgery is practiced by a neurosurgeon or neuroradiologist specially trained in neurointerventional surgery. The word endovascular means inside a blood vessel. This type of surgery is also known as interventional neuroradiology and is done with thin tubes (catheters) and small tools placed inside the blood vessels. The surgeon often uses radiology images at the same time to see the part of the body being treated.

If you have a higher risk or family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic screening, testing or counseling.

A neurological exam, also called a neuro exam, is an evaluation of your nervous system that can be done in your provider's office to check your reflexes, coordination and cognitive response.

How we treat brain and spine cancer at Ascension Sacred Heart

Your treatment options for brain and spine cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery.

Chemotherapy (often shortened to chemo) is a drug-based treatment used to slow the growth of or shrink tumors. Chemo can be given through an IV or taken in pill form, and be given before or after surgery, or along with radiation therapy.

Cancer research and clinical trials can give you access to new treatments, often before they become widely available. Talk to your doctor to learn whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a noninvasive treatment option for certain brain tumors, often used as an alternative to traditional brain surgery. During this outpatient procedure, gamma radiation beams are delivered to small areas within the brain. This targeted radiation therapy helps focus the beams to reduce exposure of healthy tissue. Because it’s noninvasive, you may experience less scarring and a shorter recovery time.

Radiosurgery and advanced radiation therapies are used to target and destroy cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy tissue.

Your cancer care team provides support, from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups and spiritual care. At Ascension Sacred Heart, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and their loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you. For more information, call 850-416-6933.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts your body’s immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells. It uses substances that are either made in the body or in a lab to shrink tumors or slow tumor growth.

Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Sacred Heart. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.

When you have received a new brain cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

GET A SECOND OPINION

How to get care

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To make an appointment, a referral should be made by your primary care doctor or another specialist. Once your referral is received and reviewed, our team will contact you to schedule an appointment with a neurologist.

If you’re a provider referring a patient, call 850-416-6933.

Frequently asked questions about brain and spine cancer care services

Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person — your physical and mental health. We also provide compassionate, personalized support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Sacred Heart, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our brain cancer specialists are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research. Find a location. [anchor to location tags]

At Sacred Heart, you get an entire team dedicated to your care. You may have many concerns and questions. Your doctor and care team are ready to listen and answer your questions. Working together, we offer services that help support your treatment plan, including managing headaches, vision changes, problems with balance, medications, appetite changes, sleeplessness, fatigue and mood changes. Your care team stays connected throughout your care to discuss your treatment and progress.

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.

At Ascension Sacred Heart cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.

Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center
1545 Airport Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32504

Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Care at Santa Rosa Beach
27 Mack Bayou Loop
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center at Lynn Haven
2900 Florida 77 #100
Lynn Haven, FL 32444

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

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