Our skilled teams at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center offer specialized care for tumors of the brain and spinal cord. We blend personalized care and leading-edge treatments to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Medically reviewed by Matthew Bobinski, M.D. on July 20, 2023.
Specialists at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center use extensive expertise to treat the most complex brain and spinal cord cancers. These include:
Our advanced therapies and clinical trials mean we can often help people who have been told they’re out of treatment options. At every stage of care, we focus on your needs and quality of life.
Central nervous system (CNS) cancers develop in your brain or spinal cord. These tumors can also be benign (noncancerous). Both noncancerous and cancerous CNS tumors may affect vital functions, such as thought, memory and movement.
Tumors can form in any part of the CNS:
General symptoms of CNS tumors are often the result of a tumor putting pressure on your brain or spinal cord. Other symptoms are specific to the location of your tumor. For example, a tumor in your cerebrum may affect your speech. A tumor near your spinal cord can lead to problems with coordination and muscle movement.
General symptoms may include:
Seek immediate medication attention if you have:
Most CNS cancers in adults are secondary tumors. Secondary tumors spread to the brain or spinal cord from cancer elsewhere in the body, such as the breast or lungs. Primary CNS cancers start in the brain or spinal cord.
Experts aren’t sure what causes CNS tumors. They likely occur due to abnormal changes (mutations) in certain genes, but it's unclear what causes these changes. Only about 5% of CNS tumors are thought to be hereditary (linked to abnormal genes passed down through families).
Some risk factors increase your chances of developing a brain or spinal cord tumor, including:
You can develop a CNS tumor at any age. Children are more likely to develop primary tumors, and older adults (most often over age 65) are more likely to develop secondary tumors.
Exposure to radiation (high-powered beams of energy), usually from past radiation therapy for cancer, increases your risk of CNS tumors. Radiation exposure from imaging exams such as X-rays and CT scans is extremely low risk.
A small percentage of brain tumors may be hereditary, meaning they’re linked to abnormal genes or diseases passed down through families.
Most brain and spinal cord tumors are more common in men. But meningiomas (tumors in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) are more common in women.
Research is ongoing about links between CNS tumors and certain viruses, chemicals, cell phone use and other potential risk factors.
At UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, we use the most advanced technology to detect and diagnose brain and spinal cord tumors as early as possible. Our state-of-the-art neuroimaging lab means all the tests you need are in one place.
Neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists and neuropathologists work together to streamline the diagnostic process. Whenever possible, we schedule your exams in as few visits as possible, so you can focus on living your life.
Your physician may recommend:
UC Davis has Comprehensive Cancer Center designation by the National Cancer Institute. This distinction means we adhere to the highest standards in safety and patient care – and deliver excellent outcomes.
We are uniquely qualified to care for people with brain or spinal cord tumors at every age and stage of life. Our robust pediatric cancer care program connects children with leading pediatric oncologists and the latest clinical trials. People with brain and spinal cord tumors receive expert care at our Department of Neurological Surgery.
Our state-of-the-art treatments for CNS cancers include:
Spine and brain tumor surgery is the most common treatment for CNS cancers. If the tumor is small, surgery may be the only treatment you need.
We use the most advanced techniques to make your procedure as safe and precise as possible, such as:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to shrink or destroy tumors. You may have radiation therapy alone or in combination with surgery. At UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, our radiation treatments include:
Brain and spine cancer treatments are highly customized to the tumor type and location, as well as your age, health and treatment goals. We draw on many treatments to make the best care plan for your needs, including:
There’s no proven way to prevent spinal cord or brain tumors. Limiting radiation exposure, especially in children, may reduce their risk of developing CNS tumors as adults.
Lifestyle changes, such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, may reduce your risk of some cancers.
"Can Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children Be Prevented?" American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-children/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
30%For a cancerous brain or spinal cord tumor
1%In a person’s lifetime
Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology: Brain Tumor Statistics
Our cancer specialists provide thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Learn more about how to make an appointment at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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