Our Team Helps Patients Start Treatment Faster

A diagnosis of a brain or spine tumor affects each person differently. While for some people, the tumor’s location in the central nervous system can cause disorientation, an altered mental state, dizziness and seizures, for others the symptoms will look different. Here, every person is unique and deserves a personalized care team and plan that's right for them.

The compassionate team at our Brain & Spine Tumor STAT Clinics is made up of leading neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists who come together to offer the most urgent, patient-centric diagnosis and treatment for benign and malignant tumors of the brain and spine. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists helps people with nervous system tumors get a treatment plan quicker. Earlier decisions about cancer treatment plans can lead to a faster treatment start date and better outcomes.

Our team works closely with select local and national partners to give patients access to the latest clinical trials. And, our brain and spine cancer experts have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic and can request eConsults — virtual second opinions — at no additional cost to patients. Wellstar is the first health system in Georgia that is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Get a unified opinion from 3 specialists in 1 day

Wellstar is known for its innovative Specialty Teams & Treatments (STAT) Clinic model, which is different from traditional diagnosis and care for brain and spine tumors. Patients and their families typically spend weeks making appointments and visiting different specialists across town. Then they must consider various recommendations and choose the best treatment path.

Here, our tight-knit team of highly skilled specialists collaborate with each other and offer patients a unified treatment plan recommendation in one day. Another benefit is that each patient only needs one set of imaging and tests. People often comment on the unrushed manner and high level of concern experienced when they meet one-on-one with their specialists.

An urgent diagnosis for better outcomes

We believe people with nervous system cancer should be provided with an urgent diagnosis and treatment plan. Beginning treatment faster can lead to better outcomes. That’s why people with brain and spine tumors receive a recommended treatment plan the same day they meet with the STAT Clinic team. This allows people with glioblastoma, astrocytoma, meningioma, pituitary tumors and spinal cord tumors to discuss the recommendation with their families and make a decision faster, so they are able to proceed with treatment.

Nurse navigation and support services

While patients benefit from the high level of medical expertise, they are just as vocal about the care provided by nurse navigators. These nurses foster communication between people and their network of specialists, help them get the follow up care they need, and provide emotional support. When needed, patients can also see team members such as a registered dietitian, counselor and a social worker. Learn more about our support services for people with cancer.

Neuroradiology and advanced imaging

Wellstar is one of the only programs in the nation with a dedicated neuroradiology program. Our experts have advanced training specific to the nervous system. Neuroradiologists read imaging studies to help diagnose nervous system tumors more accurately. Patients may have CT scans, MRI scans, myelograms and/or angiograms to assess brain and spine tumors and their relation to related blood vessels.

Advanced treatment technology

Wellstar invests in state-of-the-art technology to give our patients access to leading treatments. Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center offer CyberKnife radiation therapy. If this treatment is recommended to the patient, the technology delivers high-dose radiation with pinpoint precision to tumors painlessly and without incisions. People with glioblastoma who have undergone surgery to remove their tumor followed by radiation and chemotherapy have access to Optune. It is a wearable, portable device that delivers electromagnetic treatment to break down brain tumor DNA. It has been shown to extend survival in patients with glioblastoma.