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Neuro-oncology Center
- How a team approach benefits you
- Convenient location and access
- We want to answer your questions
- Q: What is different about the Neuro-oncology Center and why should I go there?
- Q: Who should come to the Neuro-oncology Center?
- Q: How will the Neuro-oncology Center help me?
- Q: How soon will I know the results of these tests?
- Q: Which specialists will I see?
- Q: Can I decide which treatment I will have?
- Q: How can I get more information?
Massey’s team of national leaders in cancer care and research works together to offer patients the highest quality diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors. We work with leading doctors from the Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center at the VCU Medical Center.
You can see these specialists in one place at one time. By working together and pooling their expertise, the Neuro-oncology Center doctors are able to make the best decisions and give you the most comprehensive advice and information.
How a team approach benefits you
At the Neuro-oncology Center, you will find all the specialists you need in one convenient location. They work closely together, using the very latest methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Services include:
- Multi-specialty consultation in one place at one time.
- Rapid diagnosis and, if necessary, development of a treatment plan.
- The most advanced methods of evaluating both benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors, including new scanning techniques for visualizing tumors and needle biopsy without surgery.
- State-of-the-art treatment options such as image-guided radiosurgery, microscopic surgery, ultrasonic and laser techniques, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, brain implantation and molecular therapy.
- Many other treatment options that are available only at the VCU Medical Center, such as the Trilogy Image-Guided Treatment Center.
- Opportunity to enroll in clinical trials of new and promising forms of treatment.
- Follow-up care after initial treatment.
- Nurses and support staff specially trained to help Neuro-oncology Center patients and their families.
- Patient Resource Library and nurse coordinators — patients and families learn about tumors and their treatment.
- The skills of rehabilitation medicine specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and home health caregivers.
Convenient location and access
The Neuro-oncology Center is located at the VCU Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, 6th Floor, at the corner of 11th and Clay streets. Valet parking is available. Your convenience is very important to us. If there is anything we can do to make visiting the center easier for you, please do not hesitate to ask.
We want to answer your questions
The Neuro-oncology Center team believes in patient involvement. We encourage you to ask any and all questions you may have. Here are some of the questions we hear most frequently.
Q: What is different about the Neuro-oncology Center and why should I go there?
A: The Neuro-oncology Center is the only center of its kind in the Richmond area. It offers a tremendous advantage in one convenient location — patients see a team of physicians all specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors. These experts work closely together to evaluate and design the best treatment plan. By pooling their expertise, they can make the best decisions and provide the most comprehensive advice and information. These same specialists also conduct research that leads to improved treatments and can offer options that are available only at university medical centers such as the VCU Medical Center.
Q: Who should come to the Neuro-oncology Center?
A: Patients with a suspected or diagnosed brain tumor or spinal cord tumor may come for evaluation and treatment. Complete consultation and referral services are available for physicians and patients. Many patients come to the center for a second opinion. Since we are on the leading edge in diagnosis and treatment, you will know that you have explored the best available options wherever you may decide to go for treatment.
Q: How will the Neuro-oncology Center help me?
A: The physicians, nurses and therapists will examine you, evaluate the results of any tests you may have had prior to your visit and, if needed, recommend and expedite further diagnostic evaluations using the most advanced technologies.
Q: How soon will I know the results of these tests?
A: In many cases, results are available during your first visit. Any additional tests will be scheduled and reviewed promptly, and you will be contacted by one of the Neuro-oncology Center physician specialists as soon as all of the results are available.
Q: Which specialists will I see?
A: Typically, the first specialist you see will be the neurosurgeon. The radiation oncologist also may play an important role, and may work with the neurosurgeon in recommending new treatments such as implants or radiosurgery. In addition, a medical oncologist may discuss the potential benefits of chemotherapy. Each of these specialists is an expert in the management of brain and spinal cord tumors.
Q: Can I decide which treatment I will have?
A: Absolutely. If a treatment plan is necessary, all steps and options will be clearly explained to you. The doctors and nurses will make sure you have all the information you need and help you make an informed decision. The staff will take the time to explain the need for any recommended procedures. Please ask questions until you feel comfortable.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: For additional information, to schedule an appointment, or if you have questions or would like to discuss your situation with the patient coordinator, we encourage you to call the center at (804) 828-9165 or (800) 762-6161.
