Brain & Spine Tumor Treatment

Expert Tumor Care

A brain or spine tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming. I understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with this news, and I'm committed to providing clear information, compassionate care, and access to the most advanced treatment options available.

Throughout my career, I have provided care for hundreds of patients with brain and spine tumors using a combination of microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and coordinated treatment with oncology colleagues. My approach focuses on maximizing tumor control while preserving neurological function and quality of life.

Types of Tumors We Treat

Meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor. These typically benign tumors arise from the meninges (the covering of the brain) and often grow slowly. Many meningiomas can be observed, while others require surgery or radiosurgery depending on their size, location, and rate of growth.

Metastatic Brain Tumors

Brain metastases occur when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain. Treatment options include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole brain radiation, or combinations of these approaches, depending on the number and location of tumors.

Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors can cause hormonal imbalances and vision problems. Many can be treated through minimally invasive transsphenoidal surgery (through the nose), though some require other approaches.

Acoustic Neuromas (Vestibular Schwannomas)

These benign tumors of the hearing and balance nerve can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. Treatment options include observation, microsurgery, or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Gliomas

Gliomas arise from the brain's support cells and range from low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade (aggressive). Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with the specific approach tailored to the tumor type and grade.

Spine Tumors

Tumors can affect the spinal cord, nerve roots, or vertebrae. I treat both primary spine tumors and metastatic tumors that have spread to the spine, using surgery, radiation, or combined approaches as appropriate.

Treatment Options

Microsurgical Resection

When surgery is appropriate, I use advanced microsurgical techniques to maximize safe tumor removal while protecting surrounding brain tissue. Intraoperative navigation, monitoring of neurological function, and careful surgical planning help optimize outcomes.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

I am trained in stereotactic radiosurgery and have provided care for hundreds of patients using this approach. This non-invasive treatment delivers precisely focused radiation to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It's particularly useful for:

• Small to medium-sized tumors
• Tumors in locations difficult to access surgically
• Patients who cannot tolerate open surgery
• Residual or recurrent tumors after surgery
• Brain metastases

Coordinated Care

Many patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and neuro-oncology. I work closely with colleagues in these specialties to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care for patients.

Why Choose Dr. Walcott?

• Extensive Experience: Hundreds of tumor patients treated with surgery and radiosurgery
• Advanced Training: Training at one of the most elite neurosurgical oncology programs in the world (MGH) with experience in brain mapping and awake surgery
• Harvard Foundation: Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital
• Multiple Modalities: Expertise in both surgical and radiosurgical approaches
• Research Excellence: Over 160 peer-reviewed publications
• Compassionate Care: Dedicated to supporting patients and families through diagnosis and treatment