Leading in brain tumor care in Indiana
When you are diagnosed with a brain or spine condition, you want the best care. Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis is the only neurosurgery program in Indiana designated with The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Brain Tumor Care. And, we are the fifth program in the country to reach this designation. When you choose Ascension St. Vincent, you will have a team of highly trained and experienced neurosurgeons. We have the expertise to diagnose and treat even the most rare and complex brain tumors. Your neurosurgeon works with a team of specialists and is part of an integrated national network of doctors, sharing best practices, knowledge and research.
Neurosurgeons and care teams at Ascension St. Vincent deliver care for brain and spine tumors, including:
- Acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma (tumor on the vestibular or cochlear nerves)
- Astrocytoma (cancer in the brain or spinal cord)
- Brain metastases or metastatic brain tumors (cancer that has spread to the brain)
- Choroid plexus carcinoma (a rare, cancerous brain tumor)
- Craniopharyngioma (a rare, noncancerous brain tumor)
- Ependymoma (a tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord)
- Glioblastoma (a fast growing, cancerous tumor in the brain)
- Glioma (a brain or spinal cord tumor that forms in the glial cells)
- Hemangioblastoma (tumors that grow in the cells that line the blood vessels in the brain)
- Medulloblastoma (a brain tumor in the cerebellum)
- Meningioma (a tumor in the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)
- Oligodendroglioma (a tumor in the brain or spinal cord)
- Pediatric brain tumors
- Pineoblastoma (a rare cancer that forms in the brain's pineal gland)
- Pituitary tumors (growths in the pituitary gland)
Your doctor starts by listening to you. Ask your questions – big and small. Your doctor takes the time to answer your questions and explain your diagnosis and treatment options. Together, we work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you.
Advanced brain tumor care
Neurologists, neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgery-trained nurses and a nurse navigator are all part of our care team. If you have a brain or spinal tumor, you may need radiation therapy, surgery, or both. Specialists at Ascension St. Vincent use advanced imaging, therapeutic and surgical treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures to remove a brain or spine tumor. With minimally invasive procedures, small incisions are used, which may lead to less pain and help shorten recovery time.
We also provide advanced radiation therapies for adult brain cancer. And 3D brain imaging is used to monitor your progress during radiation therapy.
Get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon at Ascension St. Vincent
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 St. Vincent. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our neurosurgeons about a personalized care plan.
When you have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumor and are deciding on a care plan, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced neurosurgeons can provide you with a second opinion, based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Supportive care for you and your family
Support groups can help you and your family cope with the challenges that come with being diagnosed with a brain tumor. At Ascension St. Vincent, we offer a support group for patients and their caregivers. The brain tumor support group is led by a team of surgeons, oncologists, nurses, rehab therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, an art therapist and spiritual leaders. Together, we provide emotional support, education, resources, guidance, therapeutic activities and more. Through the support group, you can also connect with others who understand what you are going through. Our goal is to provide all the support you need while going through treatment and recovery.
If you would like to know more about the support group or have any questions, please email indyneuroscience@ascension.org.
Refer a patient to a specialist
Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call 317-338-2273.
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