The signs and symptoms that develop due to a brain tumor depend on the type and location of the tumor and the stage of the cancer and its development. Regardless of your type of tumor, seizures are one of the biggest signs of trouble, whether they are full-body convulsions or more localized. Headaches that are especially severe in the morning and changes in personality and behavior are key symptoms that should be relayed to your doctor. Other warning signs include:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting

• Difficulty with speech

• Difficulty with balance

• Difficulty with hearing

• Blurred vision or double vision

• Sudden onset of confusion

It is possible for brain tumors to cause the onset of other symptoms that are not on the list. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with a doctor right away for an appointment to screen for a brain tumor.

Brain tumors can be treated with radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. The ideal type of treatment depends on the type, location, size, and grade of the tumor, as well as the patient’s personal health. Your doctor will first conduct an examination to determine these factors before constructing a treatment plan.

Radiation Therapy Treating Brain Tumors

Radiation therapy is a safe and effective way of treating brain tumors, using concentrated doses of radiation to attack and kill cancer cells. The radiation prevents the tumor cells from multiplying, hindering the cancer’s ability to spread to other parts of the body. Once damaged by the radiation, the cancer cells cannot repair themselves, while healthy tissue is able to regenerate. There are multiple types of radiation therapy, which include:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy – uses an external machine to deliver beams of radiation that are targeted at the tumor.

• Cyberknife System – uses advanced robotics to guide the beams of radiation for more precise targeting of the tumor and a reduced amount affected healthy tissue.

• Brachytherapy – a form of internal radiation therapy, with a minor surgical procedure that places small tubes directly next to or into the tumor. Small bits of radioactive material are inserted into the tubes to create direct exposure to the tumor.

Surgery For Brain Tumors

With a surgical procedure on the brain, this treatment will be performed by a neurosurgeon. Surgery to remove a brain tumor minimizes nerve injury to maintain normal body function.

In some brain tumor cases, surgery can sometimes be the only available option for treatment. It is common for patients to receive radiation treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence or spread.

Brain Tumor Medical Therapy (Chemotherapy)

Chemotherapy uses various types of medication that are designed to kill cancer cells. The type of drug used depends on the type of tumor and can vary between a pill or intravenous (IV) injection. The frequency and dosage level of chemotherapy treatments will be determined by your medical oncologist.

American Brain Tumor Association

1-800-886-2282
www.abta.org

Brain Tumor Foundation

212-265-2401
www.braintumorfoundation.org

National Brain Tumor Society

1-800-770-8287
www.braintumor.org

Also see Helpful Links