Neuro-Oncology Center at the Massey Cancer Center

Services | Questions and Answers | Directions

Where a team of national leaders in cancer care and research work together to offer patients the highest quality diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors.


You can see these specialists in one place at one time. By working together and pooling their expertise, Breast Health Center doctors are able to make the best decisions and give you the most comprehensive advice and information.

How a Team Approach Benefits You
At the Neuro-Oncology Center, you'll find all the specialists you need in one convenient location. They work closely together, using the very latest methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Services include:
  • Multi-specialty consultation in one place at one time.
  • Rapid diagnosis and, if necessary, development of a treatment plan.
  • The most advanced methods of evaluating both benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors, including new scanning techniques for visualizing tumors and needle biopsy without surgery.
  • State-of-the-art treatment options such as microscopic surgery, ultrasonic and laser techniques, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, brain implantation, and radiosurgery.
  • Many other treatment options that are available only at academic medical centers.
  • Opportunity to enroll in clinical trials of new and promising forms of treatment.
  • Follow-up care after initial treatment.
  • Nurses and support staff specially trained to help Neuro-Oncology Center patients and their families.
  • Patient-Family Resource Library and nurse coordinators -- patients and families learn about tumors and their treatment.
  • The skills of rehabilitation medicine specialists, physical and occupational therapists and home health caregivers.
We Want to Answer Your Questions
The Neuro-Oncology Center team believes in patient involvement. We encourage you to ask any and all questions you may have. Here are some we hear most frequently.

Q: What's different about the Neuro-Oncology Center and why should I go there?
A: The Neuro-Oncology Center is the only center of its kind in the Richmond area. It offers a tremendous advantage -- in one convenient location, patients see a team of physicians all specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors. These experts work closely together to evaluate and design the best treatment plan. By pooling their expertise, they can make the best decisions and provide the most comprehensive advice and information. These same specialists also conduct research that leads to improved treatments and can offer options that are available only at university medical centers such as MCV.

Q: Who should come to the Neuro-Oncology Center?
A: Patients with a suspected or diagnosed brain tumor or spinal cord tumor may come for evaluation and treatment. Complete consultation and referral services are available for physicians and patients. Many patients come to the center for a second opinion. Since we are on the leading edge in diagnosis and treatment, you will know that you've explored the best available options -- wherever you may decide to go for treatment.

Q: How will the Neuro-Oncology Center help me?
A: The physicians, nurses and therapists will examine you, evaluate the results of any tests you may have had prior to your visit, and, if needed, recommend and expedite further diagnostic evaluations using the most advanced technologies.

Q: How soon will I know the results of these tests?
A: In many cases, results are available during your first visit. Any additional tests will be scheduled and reviewed promptly, and you will be contacted by one of the Neuro-Oncology Center physician specialists as soon as all of the results are available.

Q: Which specialists will I see?
A: Typically, the first specialist you see will be the neurosurgeon. The radiation cancer specialist also may play an important role, and may work with the neurosurgeon in recommending new treatments, such as implants. In addition, a medical cancer specialist may discuss the potential benefits of chemotherapy. Each of these specialists is an expert in the management of brain and spinal cord tumors.

Q: Can I decide which treatment I will have?
A: Absolutely. If a treatment plan is necessary, all steps and options will be clearly explained to you. The doctors and nurses will make sure you have all the information you need and help you make an informed decision. The staff will take the time to explain the need for any recommended procedures. Please ask questions until you feel comfortable.

Q: How can I get more information?
A: For additional information, to schedule an appointment, or if you have questions or would like to discuss your situation with the patient coordinator, you may call the center at 804-828-5116.

Convenient Location and Access
The Neuro-Oncology Center is located just off Exit 74C of I-95. You'll find easily accessible parking nearby, and valet parking is available. Your convenience is very important to us. If there is anything we can do to make visiting the center easier for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Directions To the Massey Cancer Center:

From Norfolk and points east of Richmond:
Take I-64 West to Exit 43; bear left on entry ramp for I-95 South; take exit 74C to Broad Street West; turn immediately right on to College Street. Park in the outpatient parking lot at Marshall and College Streets. Follow signs to the Massey Cancer Center front entrance. Advise the receptionist of your arrival.

From Roanoke and points west of Richmond:
Take I-64 East to I-95 South; take Exit 74C to Broad Street West; turn immediately right on to College Street. Park in the outpatient parking lot at Marshall and College Streets. Follow signs to the Massey Cancer Center front entrance. Advise the receptionist of your arrival.

From Petersburg and points south of Richmond:
Take I-95 North to Exit 74C to Broad Street West; turn immediately right on to College Street. Park in the outpatient parking lot at Marshall and College Streets. Follow signs to the Massey Cancer Center front entrance. Advise the receptionist of your arrival.

From Washington, DC, and points north of Richmond:
Take I-95 South to Exit 74C to Broad Street West; turn immediately right on to College Street. Park in the outpatient parking lot at Marshall and College Streets. Follow signs to the right to the Massey Cancer Center front entrance. Advise the receptionist of your arrival.

Massey Cancer Center Website
Date Last Modified: April 26, 2001
Questions or Comments? Contact Us
 401 North 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23298
VCU Health System Information: (804) 828-9000
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