Brain and spine cancer care in Kansas

Oncologists and care teams at Ascension Via Christi Cancer Care deliver compassionate, personalized breast cancer care focused on you

Brain and spine cancer care in Kansas

Cancer specialists at Ascension Via Christi deliver personalized care for brain and spine cancer.

Why choose Ascension Via Christi

At Ascension Via Christi cancer care in Wichita, Kansas, 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 cancer, including brain and spinal tumor care — bringing the best of oncology care close to home.

Comprehensive care for brain and spine cancer

When you choose Ascension Via Christi, 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 develop a customized care plan from diagnosis through survivorship.

A team approach that helps navigate tests and support services

Your care may include imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy or other specialty services. You do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis or when you come to us during your cancer care, 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 Via Christi deliver a customized care plan for your cancer.

We treat many types of brain and spine cancers, including:

  • Benign tumors
    • Glioma
    • Colloid cyst
  • Brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain from a different part of the body)
  • Malignant tumors
    • Glioblastoma (a sub-type of astrocytomas)
  • 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 provide important information about your health and may help confirm or rule out certain blood disorders or cancers.

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, also known as interventional neuroradiology, 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. Learn about our Cancer Outreach and Risk Assessment (CORA) program for cancer risk assessment and the latest genetic tests and 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 Via Christi

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

Chemotherapy (chemo) is the use of strong medicines to treat cancer. It has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. In most cases, chemo damages the cancer cell's ability to grow and spread. Different groups of medicines work in different ways to fight cancer.

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments, medications and technologies to improve heart and vascular care. Participation may provide access to innovative therapies while helping advance medical knowledge and future patient care. At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, we offer select clinical trial opportunities with a focus on safety, compassion and personalized support throughout your care journey.

Advanced radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue.

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

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.

Ask about virtual care (telehealth or online) appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care. You can have these virtual visits from the comfort of your home and be able to talk with your doctor one-on-one via video from your phone or computer.

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 Via Christi, 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.

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 Via Christi. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.

When you’ve 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 in Wichita 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

Frequently asked questions about our 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 Via Christi, 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]

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 Via Christi 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.

This service requires a referral

Please call (316) 268-5890 for more information on how to obtain a referral.

Ascension Via Christi Cancer Center
817 North Emporia Ave
Wichita, KS 67214

Ascension Via Christi CyberKnife Center
825 North Emporia Ave
Wichita, KS 67214

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