Location

Maimonides Cancer Center 6300 Eighth Avenue Brooklyn, NY  11220 Map Link Phone: (718) 765-2500

Physicians and Staff

Amit Schwartz, MD Director, Division of Neursurgery Neurosurgeon (718) 283-7219

Erich Anderer, MD Neurosurgeon (718) 283-7219

Simone Betchen, MD, FACS Neurosurgeon (718) 283-7219

David Harter, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon (212) 263-6419

Howard Weiner, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon (212) 263-6419

Jeffrey Wisoff, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon (212) 263-6419

Diagnosis Occurs Often After Symptoms Appear

Unlike breast cancer or colorectal cancer, there are no screening tests to detect brain and spinal tumors. Instead, these tumors are diagnosed after signs or symptoms have already developed. At Maimonides Cancer Center, we have both the expertise and state-of-the-art technology necessary to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible, which is the key to developing a successful treatment plan.

Following a neurologic exam to evaluate brain and spinal cord function, one or more imaging studies will be performed to look for signs of a brain tumor. Our highly qualified imaging specialists use the most advanced technology available to pinpoint the precise location of the tumor, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, and positron emission Tomography (PET) scans. A spinal tap may also be performed to look for tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. For spinal tumors, diagnostic tests may include an MRI scan, CT scan, myelogram, and spinal tap.

If these imaging tests indicate a possible tumor, surgery may be performed to remove a tissue sample, or even the entire tumor, for examination to determine if it’s malignant or benign. For brain tumors located in hard-to-reach or extremely sensitive areas, our neurosurgeons can perform a less invasive procedure called a stereotactic needle biopsy.

Following the biopsy, Maimonides Cancer Centers’s neuropathology team provides expert review and diagnosis of the brain or spinal tissue specimen. Renowned for their diagnostic skills, our neuropathologists have extensive experience in diagnosing and staging a wide range of brain and spinal tumors.