Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 65 Specialized Brain and Spinal Tumor Care, Right Here in Montana Dr. Matthew Smith-Cohn is a Benefis Health System neurologist who is board-certified in both neurology and neuro-oncology and who trained at top institutions in the country. Dr. Smith-Cohn is the only neuro-oncologist in Montana and the surrounding area, making Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute the only location to offer this level of specialty care within a 600-mile radius, allowing patients and their families to receive treatment closer to home. MEET DR. SMITH-COHN What kind of conditions do you treat? As a neuro-oncologist, I offer specialized management of patients with brain and spine tumors, neurological complications of cancer, and genetic conditions that can cause brain and nerve tumors, such as neurofibromatosis. I can also provide second opinions and discuss potential clinical trial options in Montana and the surrounding area, including at large academic centers. How do you detect and diagnose a brain or spinal tumor? Most commonly, a patient would present with neurologic symptoms such as a new and different kind of headache, seizure, or symptoms that are similar to a stroke such as speech trouble or weakness. Afterward, they would get a brain CT or MRI that would suggest a brain tumor, which would prompt a neurosurgeon to consult for biopsy or removal. After obtaining some tumor tissue, a neuropathologist looks underneath the microscope and performs genetic tests to find out which of the over 120 different types of brain tumors it could be. Once we learn the diagnosis, we will work together on a personalized treatment plan. Is surgery the most common option for treating someone with a brain or spinal tumor? Treatment is personalized and depends on the type of brain tumor and a patient's condition and preferences. For example, some types of low-grade tumors can be watched with imaging without surgery. Other brain tumors can be cured with surgery alone, while higher-grade tumors and cancers could benefit from radiation, provided by a radiation oncologist, or medical treatment. Medical treatment may include traditional chemotherapy, medicines that target unique tumor mutations that drive growth, and immunotherapy, which activate a patient's immune systems to fight the tumor. Brain cancers are also treated with tumor-treating fields, which are alternating electric fields to help prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Clinical trials can offer unique opportunities into promising treatments that may not otherwise be available and help us learn about better treatments that could be FDA approved for all patients in the future. What can patients expect when they come to see you? I am passionate about providing personalized holistic care using a team-based approach that involves the patient's family. This approach helps improve the treatment atmosphere for patients, making them feel less alone and relieving the uncertainty that can accompany neurological conditions. I think it's important to make mutual decisions with patients and their caregivers to improve their overall quality of life. What are you excited about exploring in Montana this year? My family is excited about exploring all the beauty of the outdoors in Montana, including skiing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and visiting all the wonderful state parks and national forests. In particular, we look forward to exploring more of Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. A tradition of advanced care. Learn more at Benefis.org

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