Neurological Cancer
Cancers affecting the brain and central nervous system
Resources & support for your cancer journey
Advanced Care for Neurological Cancer
North Mississippi Health Services brings out expert physicians together to diagnose and treat neurological cancer, which includes cancers of the brain and central nervous system.
The symptoms caused by neurological cancer can be split into two different groups. Some symptoms are connected to tumors increasing the pressure inside the skull. Other brain and spinal cord tumors can cause different symptoms depending on where they are located and how fast they are growing. The symptoms may be gradual or sudden onset. These symptoms can occur with other conditions and should be evaluated by your health care provider.
Headaches & seizures are the most common signs experienced by those with brain tumors
Nausea & vomiting
Blurred vision & balance problems
Drowsiness
Personality or behavior changes
Weakness or numbness
Problems with speech
Trouble walking or using hands & arms
Bladder or bowel problems
Vision problems
Unlike many other forms of cancer, there are few brain and spinal cord tumors associated with specific risk factors that increase the chance of developing the cancer. Most brain tumors are not linked with any known risk factors. The known risk factors involve less common and rare forms of brain and spinal cord cancer.
Radiation exposure from previous treatment; rare but most common in childhood leukemia survivors
Family history, not common, but some rare brain and spinal cord cancers have inherited syndromes.
Weakened immune system is associated with primary CNS lymphoma.
Bringing Our Experts Together for You
As new neurological cancers are diagnosed, they are presented at bi-weekly tumor conferences at NMMC-Tupelo. As a team, they discuss medical imaging and pathology reports and recommendations for treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They consider tumor characteristics such as type and size as well as aspects of a patient’s health and family medical history that may impact recommendations. Based on the information presented, a personalized treatment plan is developed and shared with the team.
The tumor conference includes radiologists, pathologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists as well as other members of the Cancer Care team including the neurological cancer nurse navigator, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers and dietitians.
Neurological Cancer Navigation at Cancer Care
Neurological nurse navigator Karen Medlock, BSN, RN, has been a nurse since 2005 and has cared for cancer patients since 2022. As the neurological cancer nurse navigator, she can provide:
- Guidance throughout your oncology journey
- Education on your diagnosis & treatment options
- Coordination of care
- Advocacy & support
What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?
A cancer nurse navigator is a specialized oncology nurse who guides patients through the complex journey of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The role is multifaceted and patient-centered, ensuring patients receive timely, coordinated, and comprehensive care.
Common forms and classifications of neurological cancer include:
Primary brain or spinal cord tumors are those that begin in those locations.
Secondary brain or spinal cord tumors originated in other parts of the body.
Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that starts in glial cells.
Meningiomas start in meninges, the tissue encasing the brain & spinal cord.
Astrocytomas start in glial cells called astrocytes.
Higher grade tumors (III or IV) tend to grow more quickly & are more invasive.
Advanced Technology for Neurosurgery
Advances in surgical technology allow neurosurgeons at NMMC-Tupelo to better treat brain and spinal cord tumors.
Neurosurgeons use steal navigation technology to maximize tumor removal and minimize injury to nearby neurological structures. The technology creates 3D models for precise surgical planning.
Your multidisciplinary Cancer Care team will use evidence-based guidelines, the characteristics of your cancer and your personal health and family history to make recommendations for treating your brain or spinal cord cancer.
Related Locations
Mississippi’s only cancer center with all 4 accreditations
Commission On Cancer Accredited Program
Commission on Cancer conducts evaluation every three years; NMMC accredited since 1981.
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
ACS accredits NMMC’s breast care program
Meets national standards for comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.
Related Resources
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Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.
Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.