Neurosurgeons at Roper St. Francis see it all, from tiny pituitary tumors that wreak havoc on a person’s endocrine system to large malignancies that pose severe risks to a person’s neurological function and survival.
We approach these tumors with the kind of multidisciplinary teamwork and advanced technology rarely found outside large academic institutions. And we combine that rigor with a level of personal attention and heartfelt dedication that is hard to find anywhere.
In fact, some of our brain tumor patients visited academic institutions and pivoted to Roper St. Francis for that very reason.
“We provide more than the latest tools and techniques. People choose us because they have a dedicated physician, backed by an incredible team, who will stop at nothing to give them the best possible care,” says John Steichen, MD, who has been a neurosurgeon at Roper St. Francis for more than 20 years.
All types of brain tumors, from common to complex
The most common tumors we see are primary malignant tumors like gliomas. These are complex, terminal cases, and we do everything possible to preserve neurological function and extend the patient’s life. Surgeons work closely with colleagues in medical oncology and radiation oncology to give patients the best outcomes. “Certain subtypes of glioma are associated with prolonged survival, so we put every tumor through careful pathological analysis to devise the right oncology treatment and get an accurate prognosis,” says Dr. Steichen.
Our team also treats brain metastases from melanoma and other cancers. One patient with a history of lung cancer developed speech problems and was found to have a tumor in her left temporal lobe. Dr. Steichen removed the tumor, and now she is regaining her speech and “has gone from having a few months to live to less than a 10% chance of this tumor coming back in that area,” he says.
In addition, we see a high volume of benign tumors like meningioma and pituitary tumors. Even small pituitary tumors can have a dramatic effect on a patient’s hormones and other body functions. For the vast majority of these tumors, we can do minimally invasive surgery, through the nose, in collaboration with our ENT team.
Multidisciplinary collaboration accelerates care
The care team at Roper St. Francis isn’t just multidisciplinary, it’s close-knit and personal. “I’m not just putting in a referral to see an oncologist,” says Dr. Steichen. “I can pick up the phone and call any provider here at any time. And I often do, so we can trade ideas, decide on the best plan and put it in motion right away.”
Our neurosurgeons frequently collaborate with:
- Medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who are highly trained and, says Dr. Steichen, “never give up on a patient. Their commitment is unreal.”
- Endocrinologists and neuroopthalmologists for pituitary tumors that affect metabolism, vision and other body functions.
- ENTs, thoracic surgeons and other specialists as needed for certain cases.
The collaboration among fellow neurosurgeons is also exceptional. “We’re a very tight team – we cover each other’s vacations, we know each other’s patients,” adds Dr. Steichen. “We offer great continuity of care because of our ability to work together.”
Changing lives and giving hope
For the best illustration of what the neurosurgery team has to offer, consider some of our latest cases.
In one recent case, a woman was more than 100 pounds overweight even though her diet consisted entirely of vegetables. The team found a fingernail-sized tumor pressing on her pituitary gland and causing an increase in cortisol production. Dr. Steichen successfully removed the tumor and the woman immediately started losing weight.
He has also performed three brain surgeries for a mother with persistent glioma. She went to an academic medical center for outside evaluations, but keeps returning to Dr. Steichen and his team for care.
“Her family says, ‘We feel like we’re getting personalized care by people who care about us as individuals.’ They don’t meet a surgeon before the operation and never talk to them again. We’re really here for each and every patient. We’re a part of their lives.”
Fast, convenient access
We’ve overhauled our referral process to enable faster, more convenient care.
- Urgent referrals are reviewed the same day. Those patients are seen the same day or the next day.
- Non-urgent referrals are reviewed within 48 hours. Patients who are flexible on provider/location typically get a same-day or next-day appointment.
Ways to refer
Epic: Use referral code Roper St. Francis Physician Partners-Roper St. Francis Spine Intake Clinic or select the specific provider you’d like your patient to see.
Fax referrals to (843) 606-8059.
Call (843) 723-8823 to make a referral.
Please indicate the following:
- Urgent or non-urgent
- Specify whether you want a specific provider or the next available appointment with any provider.