Brain Cancer is the Second Leading Cause of Children's Cancer-Related Deaths in the United States

PR Newswire

MIAMI, March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brain Tumors do not discriminate.  A recent study by the American Brain Tumor Association revealed that brain-specific tumors are a risk at any age, but are statistically more frequent in children and older adults.  Metastatic brain tumors - those that begin as a cancer elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain - are more common in adults than children.  News of television icon Valerie Harper's diagnosis has renewed interest in the devastating diagnosis of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis. Understanding the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed could make all the difference in battling the challenging disease.

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Dr. Aizik L. Wolf, Medical Director for the Miami Neuroscience Center at Larkin, says it's important to understand that not all hope is lost in most cases. "When people hear the diagnosis, many believe there is nothing that can be done.   It is a frightening diagnosis and I see so many patients who come to me when they have been told all hope is lost, and they have only months to live.  In fact, we have revolutionary procedures combined with cutting edge technology that are effective," states the nationally acclaimed neurosurgical veteran who has performed over 7000 procedures with Gamma Knife®.  The Gamma Knife® is a precise, non-invasive neurosurgical tool that is used to treat brain tumors, many of which are complex or might otherwise be considered inoperable, along with a number of other brain disorders.

Dr. Wolf understands challenges.  He has developed groundbreaking applications for brain tumor treatments even as many argued they would never work.  Due to his innovation and tenacity advocating for his patients, including his pioneering approach to Gamma Knife treatment for multiple brain tumors have paid off.  Those same techniques are now being practiced and taught in major medical universities around the world.

Dr. Wolf says it's important to pay attention to what your body is telling you.  "Brain tumors vary from person to person, so there is no one-size fits all.  However, there are some symptoms that should alert you to see a doctor."  The veteran surgeon says headaches that seem worse when you first wake up or lie down, changes in hearing, smell, taste or speech, changes in personality, and weakness in a part of the body are among signs that you should see a doctor immediately.  He advises, "If you are diagnosed with brain cancer, ask your doctor to review all of your possible options and see a neurosurgeon immediately."

Dr. Wolf has made it his mission to provide hope where others have said there is none.   Dr. Wolf and his seasoned team of experts are defying the norm, working together for 20 years to find answers for the most difficult cases and are consistently rethinking how they can improve the life expectancy of their patients.

To learn more about what Dr. Wolf and his team are doing at the Miami Neuroscience Center at Larkin, and to find out about the other key tell tale signs of what to look out for regarding brain tumors, call (786) 871-6800.  If you would like to schedule media interviews, contact Carmen L.Coya at (404) 408-2103 or clcoya@effectivemedia.co

About the Miami Neuroscience Center: Dr. Wolf founded the Miami Neuroscience Center in 1993. Over the past two decades, he and his team have performed nearly 7,500 Gamma Knife surgeries, acquiring a level of expertise unmatched in the field. The team's long-time collaboration also led to a number of medical breakthroughs. The team was the first to make extensive use of radiosurgery to manage multiple metastases. It was also one of the first to apply radiosurgery to treat large-sized benign tumors, and the first nationally to provide Gamma Knife treatments on an outpatient basis.  For more information, visit www.miamineurosciencecenter.com or please call (786) 871-6800.

About Larkin Community Hospital: Larkin Community Hospital (LCH) is a 146-bed Acute Care Medical, Surgical and Psychiatric Teaching Hospital fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Its mission is to provide the highest quality compassionate care in an educational environment. The hospital is located in South Miami, Florida.  For more information about Larkin, visit www.larkinhospital.com. For additional information about its Graduate Medical Education programs, visit larkinhospital.com.

Media Contact: Carmen Luisa Coya Phone: 404-408-2103 Email: clcoya@effectivemedia.co