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pediatric brain tumor patient

Brain and Spine Tumors

Brian and spine tumors in children often appear and act differently than they do in adults.

Neuro-Oncology Center

Wolfson Children’s Hospital has an expert team providing care for a wide range of complex brain and spine tumors in children. The Neuro-Oncology Center at the Stys Neuroscience Institute offers children of all ages access to nationally known pediatric cancer and neuroscience specialists, advanced technology and the latest research-based treatment protocols. Our team collaborates closely to carefully plan treatments for each child because it is our goal to not only cure the patient, but to protect their developing brain and overall health.

Walter and Michelle Stys Neuroscience Institute


Wolfson Children's Hospital
Nemour's Children's Hospital
University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville

Wolfson Children’s Hospital provides pediatric neuroscience services in collaboration with Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.

Why Wolfson

Wolfson Children‘s Hospital has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 50 best children‘s hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery. We are also an Accredited Pediatric Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). Our team is involved in research and clinical trials, and provide cutting-edge treatment options based on the latest medical advancements.

Graphic logo of Angioma Alliance CCM Clinical Center, with the tagline "because brains shouldn't bleed"

Wolfson Children’s is the first children’s hospital in Florida and only pediatric hospital in the southeast to be recognized as a designated Clinical Center by the Angioma Alliance for the treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a rare blood vessel disease.

Power of Collaboration

One of the reasons we’ve been ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals for neuroscience care is because our doctors meet regularly to discuss patient treatment plans. These meetings, called tumor boards, ensure that your child benefits from the knowledge of many neuroscientists along with a full array of pediatric specialists.

Walter and Michelle Stys Neuroscience Institute


Wolfson Children's Hospital
Nemour's Children's Hospital
University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville

Wolfson Children’s Hospital provides pediatric neuroscience services in collaboration with Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.

Conditions We Treat

The most common types of pediatric brain tumors are astrocytoma, ependymoma and medulloblastoma. We treat these and more at Wolfson Children’s:

  • Astrocytomas
  • Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT)
  • Brainstem gliomas
  • CNS germ-cell
  • Chordoma/chondrosarcoma
  • Craniopharyngiomas
  • Ependymomas
  • Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Low-grade gliomas
  • Medulloblastomas
  • Meningiomas
  • Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET)

Diagnosis

Brain and spine tumors are complex and there are many different types, so it takes an expert to provide an accurate diagnosis. It's also critical to get an accurate diagnosis quickly so appropriate treatment can start as soon as possible.

  • Our highly skilled specialists use the latest technology to find out exactly what’s wrong.
  • Our dedicated pediatric neuropathologists recognize every type of brain and spine tumor and help confirm the diagnosis.
  • Our 3T MRI is kid-friendly and offers shorter scan times for comfort and superior image quality.
  • Our functional MRI produces detailed images of where specific brain functions are controlled to help us find the safest route to remove a tumor.

Looking for a second opinion?

The Stys Neuroscience Institute at Wolfson Children’s welcomes your request for a consultation on any pediatric brain or spine tumor. A second opinion can provide a different perspective and new treatment options to consider. Plus, having a second doctor agree with your first diagnosis or finding something that was missed the first time can provide peace of mind when faced with a number of treatment options. Call 904.202.NEURO to schedule an appointment.

Pediatric brain tumor patient with provider

Treatments We Offer

Some children with brain tumors are cured with surgery alone, but frequently surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are combined to achieve the best result.

close up of a technician's hand pointing to a brain scan on a monitor

High-Tech Neurosurgery

Wolfson Children's is a national leader in both minimally invasive and highly complex neurological surgeries. Our state-of-the-art operating rooms are specially equipped to bring MRI to the patient during surgery. Surgeons can use sophisticated imaging equipment during procedures to precisely guide and verify intricate repairs, all leading to better outcomes.

  • Children’s growing bodies deserve care from the most practiced specialists around, working as one team to deliver outstanding care. Our team creates a plan for initial treatment and ongoing after care to meet the specific needs of your child.

  • The Stys Neuroscience Institute serves children from North Florida, South Georgia and beyond. Wolfson Children's is located on the south bank of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, and is connected to Nemours Children's Health via Kids Walk. Ronald McDonald House is next to Nemours.

Patient Stories