How we work
A new tumour diagnosis brings a lot of uncertainty. Our aim is to see patients promptly, explain what the imaging shows and recommend a plan. That plan may be monitoring, biopsy or surgery. Not every tumour needs an operation, and some are best watched with repeat imaging.
When further treatment is needed after surgery, we work with radiation oncology and medical oncology at the Carlo Fidani Regional Cancer Centre, which is part of the same hospital network.
Brain tumours
Meningioma
Usually benign tumours arising from the membranes that cover the brain. Options: observation with serial imaging, surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Glioma
Tumours arising from the brain’s glial cells, from slow-growing low-grade gliomas to glioblastoma. Options: biopsy or maximal safe resection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy as indicated.
Brain metastases
Tumours that have spread to the brain from cancer elsewhere in the body. Options: surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery or both.
Incidental findings
Lesions found on a scan done for another reason. Options: assessment, surveillance imaging or biopsy.
Spinal tumours
Intradural tumours
Tumours inside the covering of the spinal cord, such as meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours. Options: microsurgical resection.
Spinal metastases
Cancer that has spread to the vertebrae, which can cause pain, instability or spinal cord compression. Options: decompression and stabilization, usually combined with radiation.
What to expect
- Prompt review. Referrals for suspected tumours are triaged quickly. Non-acute tumours are eligible for the Rapid Access Clinic.
- A clear recommendation. We review the imaging with you and explain whether we recommend monitoring, biopsy or surgery, and why.
- Surgery at Mississauga Hospital. Operations are planned with image guidance to remove as much tumour as can be removed safely.
- Follow-up. Follow-up imaging and coordination with oncology and rehabilitation.
Referral requirements
A brief referral faxed to 1 (905) 228-4111 is enough. Please include a CT or MRI of the brain or spine. Our office will call the patient to book.
Patients with a sudden severe headache, a first seizure, confusion, or weakness or speech difficulty that is getting worse should go to the nearest emergency department.