Brain and spine cancer care in Nashville

At Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, Tennessee, our experienced brain and spine cancer specialists are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for central nervous system cancer, including brain and spinal tumor care – bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home.

When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas, you get a multidisciplinary team, prioritizing early and customized personalized treatment: board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, care navigators, and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians and other cancer specialists. Your doctors and care team will deliver a customized care plan for your cancer from diagnosis through survivorship. We treat many types of brain and spinal cancer, including:

• Benign tumors, such as glioma and colloid cyst
• Malignant tumors, such as glioblastoma (a sub-type of astrocytomas)
• Brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain from a different part of the body)
• Skull base tumors
• Spinal tumors

Brain and spine specialists also deliver advanced, compassionate and personalized care for meningioma, a rare condition which develops in the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

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

Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you. You’ll find that at Ascension Saint Thomas, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and you’ll have 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, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life, and self. 

Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy, support, speech therapy, physical therapy or other specialists — 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. Your care navigator will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services you need, and support you along the way. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team and ask your questions.

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Benefits of our approach to brain and spine cancer care

Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan, to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health.

Ascension Saint Thomas provides comprehensive cancer care, including:

Diagnostic tests: Biopsy tests are used to evaluate brain cells and spinal fluid for cancer cells. Advanced imaging procedures help your doctor diagnose all types of brain disease, including primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer (cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body).

Neurosurgeons: Experienced surgeons specializing in brain and spine care deliver advanced surgical and minimally invasive care with an enhanced recovery process to remove noncancerous brain tumors and brain cancer tumors and lesions and spinal cancer. When possible, your surgeon saves as much healthy tissue as possible by using advanced surgical techniques.

Medical oncology: Medical oncologists work with your surgeon to deliver advanced care (chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy) to help stop cancer spread.

Radiation oncology: Radiosurgery and advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while avoiding damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Clinical trials: If you want to learn more about other possible cancer care options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.

Speech-language pathologists: Speech therapists deliver personalized therapies to help stimulate speech pathways as needed after surgery.

Support programs and resources: Your cancer care team provides support, from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups, yoga and spiritual care. And, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to you and your loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you. 

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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 Saint Thomas. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

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 that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival. 

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Frequently asked questions about our brain cancer care services