Because schwannoma tumors are located in precarious positions, they can be challenging to remove and require a skilled surgeon. Cohen was referred to Dr. Zarina Ali, a neurosurgeon at the new Penn Nerve Center, who performed the surgery.
The Penn Nerve Center, located in University City, is the first interdisciplinary facility in the region to treat nerve disorders, which range from carpal tunnel syndrome to more debilitating spinal cord injuries, traumatic nerve injuries, nerve entrapment, nerve compression and nerve tumors.
The facility centralizes neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, physical therapists, orthopedists, neurologists and radiologists, among others, all in one place.
"What I loved about (Ali) was that she gave me the big picture of what my options were and the risks involved," Cohen told PhillyVoice. "She gave me all the information, but let the decision be mine."