Last updated 2 months ago
It is important for neurology and oncology patients to work with a facility that offers a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Check out these great resources for more information on the importance of a team-based approach to neuro-oncology services and the benefits of CyberKnife radiation treatment. Contact the Arizona Brain & Spine Center at (602) 663-7346 for more information regarding these topics.
Last updated 2 months ago
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 22,910 malignant tumors of the spinal cord and brain will be diagnosed in 2012. While there are a number of treatment options available, including neurosurgery, one of the most popular treatment options is CyberKnife radiation.
Understanding CyberKnife Radiation
CyberKnife radiation treatment uses image-guided technology and advanced robotics to accurately target radiation beams and destroy abnormal cells within the body with sub-millimeter accuracy. Unlike other treatment methods, CyberKnife technology can be used to treat tumors in various areas of the body due to its ability to identify the exact location and shape of the tumor. In addition, CyberKnife delivers highly concentrated beams of radiation from a number of positions and angles to destroy cancer cells without causing harm to the healthy tissues.
How CyberKnife Radiation Works
During the treatment process, patients are instructed to lie on a bed as a robotic arm moves around the body to deliver targeted radiation beams at multiple angles. While conventional radiation therapy usually requires anywhere between 20 and 44 treatments, CyberKnife radiation can be completed in as little as one to five treatments.
Benefits of CyberKnife Radiation
CyberKnife radiation therapy provides a number of benefits over traditional radiation treatments. For example, the CyberKnife system does not require any incisions, which means that there is no risk of blood loss during the procedure. This painless treatment option also eliminates the need for stereotactic framing, anesthesia, and patient down-time.
The Arizona Brain & Spine Center provides world-class surgical expertise and high-quality patient care to help treat a number of conditions. Learn more about our spine surgery, spinal fusion, and brain surgery procedures by contacting us at (602) 663-7346. You can also visit us online to set up an initial consultation with our neurosurgeons.
Last updated 2 months ago
Neurosurgery refers to a surgical specialty which focuses on the treatment of disorders affecting the spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves. On the other hand, Oncology is a branch of medicine designed to treat tumors. Despite the fact that a neurologist and oncologist can both provide treatment options for cancers of the brain and spine, it is crucial for patients to work with a center that incorporates a team-based approach to neuro-oncology.
The Problems of Working with Multiple Individual Doctors
Patients suffering from various cancers of the brain and spine require the care of a number of different physicians and specialists. However, making several appointments and being referred to various physicians is not only extremely time-consuming, but it also ultimately prolongs a patient’s treatment. Fortunately, a team-based approach to neuro-oncology eliminates the middle man and allows patients to receive multidisciplinary care from the same facility.
The Benefits of Working with a Team of Specialists
The biggest benefit of a team-based approach to neuro-oncology is that it allows for the interaction between physicians of various specialties, including the radiologists, oncologists, and neurosurgeons. For example, neuro-oncology patients must often see a radiologist first in order to undergo diagnostic testing to identify the specific condition. This may include undergoing a number of diagnostic tests including x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Once the diagnostic testing is complete, patients will need to consult with an oncologist who will educate them on their diagnosis. In order to do this, the radiologist will need to coordinate with the oncologist to discuss the diagnostic findings. The last step is meeting with a neurosurgeon who will provide information regarding the treatment options. As with radiologists and oncologists, the neurosurgeon will need to communicate with the other physicians in order to maximize the patient’s care.
At the Arizona Brain & Spine Center, our multidisciplinary team of medical experts strives to provide exceptional surgical expertise while relating to our patients on a personal level. For more information on our spine surgery, back surgery, and back pain treatments, contact Arizona Brain & Spine Center at (602) 663-7346.
Last updated 2 months ago
The CyberKnife system is the first and only robotic radiosurgery system used to treat tumors anywhere in the body. Unlike other methods, this treatment does not require the use of anesthesia or stabilizing frames and offers patients little-to-no downtime.
In this video, you can take a closer look at how CyberKnife technology works. Using continual image guidance and computer-controlled robotics, the CyberKnife system delivers high doses of radiation beams from any direction with sub-millimeter accuracy. This not only offers patients a pain-free, non-surgical option, but also minimizes damage to healthy tissues. Check out this full clip for more information on the benefits of CyberKnife radiation therapy.
Find out if CyberKnife radiation treatment is right for you by contacting Arizona Brain & Spine Center at (602) 663-7346. You can also visit our website for more information on brain surgery and spine surgery.
Last updated 3 months ago
A brain tumor diagnosis can be a troubling time for both you and your loved ones, but the caring and experienced staff of Arizona Brain & Spine Center can help you find the appropriate treatment while coping with this condition. To learn more about the condition take a look at these resources:
- This slideshow from the National Institutes of Health can help you understand how brain cancer develops.
- Visit Cancer.org to learn the types of tissue in the brain and spinal cord that can be affected by cancer.
- Find out the types of treatment for brain tumors from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
- The American Brain Tumor Association provides information to help you come to terms with a brain tumor diagnosis.
Call the Arizona Brain & Spine Center at (602) 663-7346 to schedule an appointment today.
