Brain and spinal cord cancer treatment near Lake Cathie

Brain and spinal cord cancers (neurological cancers) can include astrocytoma, glioblastoma, spinal cord and brain stem tumours.

A person with a suspected or confirmed brain or spinal cord cancer should:

  • have their care overseen by a specialist who is a member of a multidisciplinary cancer care team
  • attend their first specialist appointment within two weeks of being referred by the general practitioner (GP).
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Who to see

The diagnosis and treatment of brain or spinal cord cancer involves a team of specialists. Initial referral should be to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.

A referral from a general practitioner (GP) is required for an appointment.

Where to have treatment

Please note the nearest cancer services for brain and spinal cord cancer may be over 100 kms from Lake Cathie NSW. Support may be available for transport and accommodation.

Treatment for brain or spinal cord cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or palliative care. Many people with brain or spinal cord cancer have a combination of these treatments.

Surgery for brain or spinal cord cancer

Hospitals for brain or spinal cord cancer surgery are listed below. Results are ordered by distance from Lake Cathie NSW.

Other treatment centres

Results are ordered by distance from Lake Cathie NSW.

Find a cancer care team

All people with brain or spinal cord cancer in NSW should have their treatment overseen by a multidisciplinary cancer care team (MDT).

A multidisciplinary cancer care team is a group of health care professionals who work together to ensure that a patient receives the best care and outcomes.

Children and youth services

There are services that provide specialised treatment and support to children and young people with cancer.

Tests and timeframes

National optimal care pathways have been developed to guide recommended care at each stage of the cancer pathway.

Initial tests may be organised by the general practitioner (GP) and can include:

  • computed tomography (CT) scan
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
  • biopsy.

  • For people who present with signs and symptoms of high grade glioma, an urgent referral to a neurosurgeon or a neurologist for assessment within 24 hours is recommended.
  • A tissue diagnosis should be taken within one week of referral, but this may vary depending upon clinical need.

More information about the brain cancer care pathway is available in these fact sheets:

  • Optimal care pathway for brain cancer Quick reference guide for health professionals
  • Fact sheet for patients in plain English and seven other languages.

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