Neuro-Oncology

(Brain and Spinal Tumors)
A light of hope against tumors and cancer of the central nervous system.

There are more than 40 different types of tumors that can involve the central nervous system. As the same in other tumors in the body, early diagnosis and adequate treatments are fundamental in obtaining the best results.

The Neuro-Oncology Program of the Instituto de Neurociencias del Hospital de Diagnóstico, is the only comprehensive program in Central America that can treat brain and spinal tumors with the same standards of those used in the United States by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

The Neuro-Oncology Program of the Instituto de Neurociencias del Hospital de Diagnóstico began operations in January of 2006, with the sole intention of giving hope to one of the most complex illness that a human being can endure. From its beginigs to date, the Neuro-Oncology Program of the Instituto de Neurociencias del Hospital de Diagnóstico has promoted important advances in the comprehehnsive treatment of these diseases not only nationally but also in Latin-America. Perhaps the most significant advances have been the non-invasive analysis pre-surgery that determine by means of computers the relations between tumors and the functional areas of the brain witch are the areas that control movement and speech (Functional Magnetic Resonance) and the pathways (tracts) that transform these thoughts in to actions (DTI-Tractography), Safety Check Number 1.In the operating room the most advanced systems for tumor localization and control of resection (removal) are utilized, with this the surgeon knows exactly where he is at all times, this concept is called Image Guided Surgery (Neuronavegation and Intraoperative Ultrasound) of which the the Neuro-Oncology Program of the Instituto de Neurociencias del Hospital de Diagnóstico has been a pioneer for more than 4 consecutive years, Safety Check Number 2. Also in the operating room there is wide experience in operating the patient under local anesthesia and light sedation (awake craniotomy), this along with cortical mapping of the brain (true determination of eloquent areas in the brain) assure that safe tumor resection can be carried out, Safety Check Number 3. Finally in case where it might be necessary Transoperative Magnetic Resonance Protocols can confirm or assist in obtaining the complete removal of the tumor, Quality Assurance Check.

The Neuro-Oncology Program of the Instituto de Neurociencias del Hospital de Diagnóstico has united the best specialist in Surgical Neuro-oncology, Neurology, General Oncology, Radiotherapy, Neuro-Radiology ENT surgeons (Endoscopic Cranium Base Surgery) Neuro-rehabilitation and Psychology. All dedicated to the treatment of this illness and trained in the best Cancer Centers around the world, operating with their same technology, offering their same protocols of quimotherapy and other advanced treatments against brain cancer. The Neuro-Oncology Program of the Instituto de Neurociencias del Hospital de Diagnóstico bases its success in humane and warm patient treatment, medical compromise in excellence, and cutting edge technology.