Getting a Brain or Spine Tumor 
Second Opinion  

If you've been diagnosed with a brain or a spine tumor, you should get a second opinion from a qualified specialist. 

This guide will provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision about treatment for your brain or spine tumor, including:

  • Reasons to get a second opinion 
  • How to get a second opinion   
  • Questions to ask during your second opinion   
  • What to do after you get a second opinion  

Northwestern Medicine offers world-class care in your neighborhood, including nationally and locally ranked hospitals.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital  |  Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital  |  Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital  |  Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital  |  Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital  |  Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital  |  Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital

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Northwestern Medicine® is a trademark of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, used by Northwestern University.

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Top brain and spine tumor experts are with you every step of the way

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago is consistently recognized as a top destination in the nation for the evaluation and treatment of brain, spine and skull base tumors. Our neuro-oncology team is one of the largest in the country and includes world-renowned experts. Our radiation oncologists use the latest radiation technologies, including radiosurgery and proton beam therapy. We perform more brain and spine tumor surgeries than any other health system in Illinois.

As one of the nation’s leading centers for brain and spine tumor research, we are dedicated to finding new treatments — and bringing these treatments to patients. Through the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University, you will have access to groundbreaking therapies, including clinical trials and interventions that are not widely available. We specialize in challenging conditions, and our physicians are among the world’s leading experts.

To schedule your brain or spine tumor second opinion click here.

Northwestern Medicine offers world-class care in your neighborhood, including nationally and locally ranked hospitals.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital
Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital

Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment

At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, you will have access to the latest imaging and diagnostic tools available. You will also have access to the most advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Our neuro-oncology team is one of the largest in the country and includes world-renowned experts. Our radiation oncologists use the latest radiation technologies, including radiosurgery and proton beam therapy.

 The Northwestern Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board or the Brain Metastases Tumor Board will perform comprehensive case evaluations for patients with complex diseases. These boards are made up of some of the world’s leading experts in their fields and include:

Improved Outcomes for Brain and Spine Tumors

Our physicians and research scientists are on the relentless quest for new treatments for glioblastoma and other gliomas, brain metastases, meningioma, and other brain and spine tumors. These efforts have contributed to new treatments and improved outcomes for our patients. Our commitment to clinical research and bringing the most advanced treatments to our patients with brain and spine tumors means better survival rates and a better quality of life.

Expert Pathology Reports

At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, our renowned neuropathology team specializes in tumors of the central nervous system. We provide comprehensive evaluations for brain and spine tumors. We combine clinical, radiologic, pathologic and molecular data to make accurate diagnoses. This translates to better treatments and outcomes. We can even analyze tissue that has been removed at other institutions as part of a second opinion.