brain tumor : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment

  

 What is a brain tumor?

A brain tumor is a mass or increase of abnormal cells in your brain.

There are many different types of brain tumors. Some are noncancerous, and others are cancerous. Brain tumors can originate in your brain (primary tumors) or they can metastasize from other parts of your body and develop into cancer in your brain (secondary tumors). Tumors in the brain.

Brain tumors can grow rapidly in different locations, depending on how quickly they grow. The location of the tumor and the person's neurological function will determine its effect.

Treatment options for brain tumors depend on the type of tumor and its size and location.

brain tumor

A brain tumor can be hard to detect and diagnose Here are 10 different symptoms that may indicate a tumor: 1) Seizures: These are recurring episodes of involuntary movements or spasms along with changes in consciousness sensory or emotional behavior They can be caused by a number of factors -- including seizures due to epilepsy However if the pattern does not fit classic seizure patterns and is accompanied by headaches then it could be due to other causes such as brain tumors A seizure tendency may actually persist for years after removal of some types of tumors from the brain stem (the bottom part responsible for.

symptoms Tumors in the brain or on the surface of it are rare but there are several common symptoms If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms seek medical help right away: repeated and uncontrollable jerking movements with your arms or legs; sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg; dizziness when standing up; seizures — most often seen in children with brain.

1. Brain

2. Cerebral hemispheres

3. Diencephalon or interbrain

Medical terms

• A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing in the skull While many types of brain tumors can be successfully treated others are progressive and fatal Doctors are unable to predict how a patient's disease will progress based on the type or location of their tumor and have relatively few treatment options in some cases Survival rates vary depending on the extent and type of brain tumor as well as other factors such as age and general health status at the time of diagnosis according to the American Brain Tumor Association.

• A brain tumor is a collection, or mass, of bizarre cells on your brain. Your skull, which encloses your brain, may be very rigid. Any growth internally in this kind of confined space can cause problems.

• Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). When benign or malignant tumors develop, they are able to cause the pressure inside your skull to increase. This can cause mind damage, and it can be life-threatening.

• A mind tumor is an ordinary increase or mass of cells in or around your brain. Together, spinal tumors and brain tumors are referred to as significant apprehensive device (CNS) tumors.

• Brain tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Some tumors grow speedy, while others are sluggish.

• Only about one-third of brain tumors are cancerous. But whether or not they’re cancerous or not, brain tumors can impact mind characteristics and your health if they grow massive enough to press on surrounding nerves, blood vessels and tissue.

• Tumors that broaden for your mind are known as primary tumors. Tumors that unfold on your mind after forming in a specific part of your frame are called secondary tumors, or metastatic brain tumors. This article focuses on primary mind tumors.

brain tumor headache pattern

Some brain tumor headaches are caused by pressure on the nerves which may be related to the size of the tumor Some tumors put pressure on the sinuses which can lead to pain in the middle of the forehead Severe headaches associated with brain tumors can cause nausea and vomiting and make it difficult for patients to fall asleep or wake up If you have any unexplained severe headache go to your doctor.

How serious are brain tumors?

Brain tumors range in size and grow in many different types of cells. The type of brain tumor along with where the tumor is located and how fast it's growing will determine if a patient needs treatment. In some cases these tumors can be surgically removed through surgery Other times they require radiation and/or chemotherapy to shrink.

Why do people get brain tumors?

People get brain tumors when the cells in their bodies divide rapidly and uncontrollably forming a mass of tissue called a tumor Tumors are classified by the type of cell they come from; glioblastoma for example is a cancerous tumor that originates from supportive cells within the brain called glia Glioblastomas multiforme also known as Grade IV astrocytoma is an aggressive type of glioblastoma.

What were your first signs of a brain tumor?

Every person who is diagnosed with a brain tumor has a unique story to tell This is because different types of tumors can form in different parts of the brain and they may cause their own distinct symptoms If you are worried that you or someone you know might have a brain tumor take comfort in knowing that there are many possible warning signs to look out for.

At what age can brain tumors occur?

Brain tumors are different from other cancers in that they arise from the tissue of the brain itself According to the National Brain Tumor Society they can develop at any age but they're most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults Brain tumors are also more common than you might think — about 1 in 500 people will develop a brain tumor at some point in their lives.

Types Brain tumor

• Acoustic neuroma

• Astrocytoma

• Brain metastases

• Choroid plexus carcinoma

• Craniopharyngioma

• Embryonal tumors

• Ependymoma

• Glioblastoma

• Glioma

• Medulloblastoma

• Meningioma

• Oligodendroglioma

• Tumors in children's brains

• Pineoblastoma

• Pituitary tumors

Primary brain tumors

Brain tumors start in your brain. They can develop from things like:

• brain cells

• The membranes that surround your brain are called meninges.

• nerve cells

• glands

Some primary tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or cancerous. The most common types of brain tumors in adults are gliomas and meningiomas.

Gliomas

Gliomas are tumors that develop from cells in the brain called glial cells. These cells normally help the brain function properly.

• Maximum benefits are achieved when garlic is consumed regularly. Garlic helps to support the central nervous system.

• Olive oil has a nutritional value that can support the central nervous system.

• clean cellular waste

• break down dead neurons

Glial cells can develop into tumors.

Some types of tumors that begin in glial cells are:

• Astrocytic tumors, such as astrocytomas, can originate in the brain.

• Oligodendrogliomas are tumors that often occur in the frontal temporal lobes.

• Glioblastomas are tumors that originate from the supportive brain tissue and are the most aggressive type.

Other primary brain tumors

Other primary brain tumors include:

• Pituitary tumors are usually benign.

• Tumors can occur in the pineal gland, which can be benign or malignant.

• ependymomas, which are usually benign

• Craniopharyngiomas are tumors that mostly occur in children, and they are usually benign but can cause changes in vision and premature puberty.

• CNS lymphomas are cancers that originate in the central nervous system.

• Primary brain tumors can be either good or bad.

• Meningiomas are tumors that originate in the meninges.

• Schwannomas are tumors that originate from cells that produce the protective sheath around your nerves (myelin), called Schwann cells.

Meningiomas and schwannomas are most often found in people between the ages of 40 and 70. Meningiomas are more common in women, while schwannomas occur equally in both men and women. Sometimes these tumors can cause complications because of their size or location. Schwannomas are a rare but potentially aggressive type of tumor.

Secondary brain tumors

Secondary brain tumors are the most common type of brain cancer. They usually start in one part of the body and can spread to the brain. The following can spread to the brain:

• lung cancer

• breast cancer

• kidney cancer

• skin cancer

Tumors that are classified as secondary are always malignant. Benign tumors do not spread from one part of your body to another.

Risk factors for brain tumors include:

Family history

Only a small percentage of all cancers are passed down through genetics - it's unusual for a brain tumor to be hereditary. If several members of your family have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, speak to your doctor about seeing a genetic counselor. This person can help you understand your family's history of cancer.

Age

The risk of most types of brain tumors increases with age.

Race

Brain tumors are more common among Caucasians, but African-American people are more likely to get meningiomas.

Chemical exposure

Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace can increase your risk for developing brain cancer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health keeps a list of potential cancer-causing chemicals found in workplaces.

Exposure to radiation

People who have been exposed to high levels of radiation have an increased risk of developing brain tumors. You can be exposed to high levels of radiation through cancer treatments that use high levels of radiation, or you can be exposed to radiation from nuclear fallout. The nuclear power plant incidents in Fukushima and Chernobyl are examples of this. People can be exposed to ionizing radiation in a few ways. Some examples include being in close proximity to a nuclear plant, being in the line of fire during a nuclear attack, or receiving x-rays at the doctor's office.

No history of chickenpox

People with a history of chickenpox have a decreased risk of developing brain tumors.

The symptoms of brain tumors depend on where and how large the tumor is. Some tumors cause direct damage by invading brain tissue, while other tumors cause pressure on the surrounding brain. When you notice a growing tumor putting pressure on your brain, you will experience noticeable symptoms.

Headache is a common symptom of a brain tumor. You may experience headaches that vary in severity, include pulsating pain near the temples, or be constant.

• are worse in the morning when waking up

• You can have nightmares while you're sleeping.

• Coughing, sneezing, and exercising will make the symptoms worse.

You may also experience:

• vomiting

• Double vision is when you see two images of everything, instead of just one. Blurred vision is when things look unclear or out of focus.

• confusion

• Seizures can occur in adults.

• weakness of a limb or part of the face

• Changes in mental functioning.

Other common symptoms include:

• clumsiness

• memory loss

• confusion

• difficulty writing or reading

• Changes in the ability to taste or smell can occur.

• If you drink too much alcohol, you may become drowsy and lose consciousness.

• difficulty swallowing

• dizziness or vertigo

• If someone has eye problems, such as drooping eyelids and uneven pupils, it can be treated.

• uncontrollable movements

• hand tremors

• loss of balance

• loss of bladder or bowel control

• One side of your body may feel numb or tingly.

• He may have trouble understanding what others are saying.

• The presence of decoupage can change a person's mood, personality, and emotions.

• difficulty walking

• muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg

Pituitary tumors can cause certain symptoms.

Some symptoms that may occur with pituitary tumors are as follows:

• nipple discharge, or galactorrhea

• lack of menstruation in women

• Male breast tissue may develop during puberty. This is called gynecomastia.

• enlargement of the hands and feet

• sensitivity to heat or cold

• Hirsutism is an increase in body hair.

• low blood pressure

• obesity

• If your vision changes in any way, such as becoming blurry or tunnel-like, it may be a sign of an illness. Talk to your doctor about what you should do.

A physical exam is part of the diagnosis process for a brain tumor. Your medical history is also taken into account.

Your doctor will perform a detailed neurological examination. This includes a test to see if your cranial nerves are intact. These are the nerves that originate from your brain.

Your doctor will look inside your eyes with an ophthalmoscope which allows them to see how your pupils react to light and to see if there are any problems with your vision. When pressure increases inside the skull, the optic nerve can change.

The doctor may also evaluate your:

• muscle strength

• coordination

• memory

• ability to do mathematical calculations

After the physical exam is over, your doctor may order more tests. These could include: -A blood test to check your blood pressure -An X-ray of your chest to see if there is any evidence of a heart condition -A test to measure how well you are absorbing food

Symptoms Brain tumor

Different components of the brain manage distinctive capabilities, so brain tumor signs and symptoms will range depending on the tumor’s vicinity. For instance, a brain tumor positioned inside the cerebellum in the back of the pinnacle might also cause problems with motion, on foot, stability and coordination. If the tumor influences the optic pathway, that's liable for sight, imaginative and prescient changes might also occur.

The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor can vary a great deal and depend on the size, location, and rate of growth of the tumor.

Some general signs and symptoms that may be associated with brain tumors may include:

• A new or different pattern of headaches has appeared.

• You may experience headaches that gradually become more frequent and severe.

• Unexplained nausea or vomiting

• If someone has vision problems, such as blurred vision or double vision, it can be pretty tough to function.

• If you lose sensation or movement in an arm or a leg, it might be because of a serious injury.

• Difficulty with balance

• Speech difficulties

• Feeling very tired

• Confusion in everyday matters

• Difficulty making decisions

• Inability to follow simple commands

• Personality or behavior changes

• A seizure is more likely to occur in someone who doesn't have a history of seizures.

• Hearing problems

When to see a doctor

If you have persistent signs and symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor.

Causes Brain tumor

The purpose of maximum brain tumors is unknown, but there are several danger elements that can boost your possibilities of growing a mind tumor.

Brain tumors that begin in the brain

Tumors that originate in the brain itself or in tissue close to it are called primary tumors.

Brain tumors start with normal cells that have mutations in their DNA. These mutations tell the cells to grow and divide quickly and to keep surviving when healthy cells would die. As a result, there's a mass of abnormal cells. Cells which form tumors.

Primary brain tumors are less common than secondary brain tumors, in which cancer begins elsewhere and spreads to the brain.

There are many different types of primary brain tumors. Each name comes from the type of cells that are affected. For example, there are tumors with cells from the brain, tumors with cells from the spinal cord, and tumors with cells from other parts of the body.

• Gliomas.These tumors can start in the brain or spine, and they include astrocytomas, ependymomas, glioblastomas, and oligoastrocytomas.

• Meningiomas.Meningiomas are tumors that originate from the membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous.

• Acoustic neuromas (schwannomas).These tumors develop on the nerves that control balance and hearing. They can be found on the inner ear and lead to problems with your brain.

• Pituitary adenomas.These are tumors that develop in the pituitary gland. These tumors can affect the pituitary hormones, which have effects throughout the body.

• Medulloblastomas.Cancerous brain tumors are most common in children, but they can occur at any age. A medulloblastoma begins in the lower back part of the brain and may spread through the spinal fluid.

• Germ cell tumors.Some germ cell tumors may develop during childhood where the testicles or ovaries may be affected. But sometimes germ cell tumors affect other parts of the body, such as the brain.

• Craniopharyngiomas.These tumors start near the brain's pituitary gland. As the cancer slowly grows, it can affect the pituitary gland and other nearby structures.

Cancer that starts elsewhere can spread to the brain.

Secondary brain tumors are tumors that result from cancer that started elsewhere in your body and then spread (metastasized) to your brain.

Most secondary brain tumors occur in people who have had cancer before. Rarely, a metastatic brain tumor may be the first sign of cancer that began elsewhere in your body.

Secondary brain tumors are more common in adults than are primary brain tumors.

Cancer can spread to the brain in a variety of ways, but some common types include:

• Breast cancer

• Colon cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Lung cancer

• Melanoma

There are a few uncommon, inherited (surpassed down from figure to toddler) genetic syndromes which are associated with brain tumors, which include:

• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1 gene).

• Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2 gene).

• Turcot syndrome (APC gene).

• Gorlin syndrome (PTCH gene).

• Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC1 and TSC2 genes).

• Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 gene).

Risk factors Brain tumor

Doctors don't know what causes most primary brain tumors, but there are some things that may increase your risk.

Risk factors include:

• Exposure to radiation.People who have been exposed to radiation have an increased risk of developing brain tumors. This includes radiation therapy used to treat cancer, and radiation exposure caused by atomic bombs.

• Family history of brain tumors.Some brain tumors occur in people who have a family history of brain tumors or a family history of genetic syndromes that increase the risk of developing brain tumors.

Can you survive a brain tumor?

Brain tumors are one of the most feared conditions that can afflict a person Tumors can be benign or cancerous but either way they have the potential to have devastating effects on a person's mind as well as his body In many cases brain tumors are fatal; other people make full recoveries after treatment Even though some types of brain tumors can be successfully treated with surgery chemotherapy and radiation therapy it is still important to remain optimistic when faced with such a diagnosis.

Are most brain tumors treatable?

Brain tumors are composed of more than just neurons When a tumor is benign it means that the cells in the tumor will not grow into new blood vessels or spread to other parts of the brain or body Unfortunately malignant tumors are the most common type of brain tumor Malignant tumors cannot be removed and usually require chemotherapy and radiation therapy However there are some treatment options for both benign and malignant brain tumors so only an experienced neurosurgeon should diagnose your condition if you have any signs of a brain tumor.

Is a brain tumor a death sentence?

Brain tumors can be life threatening but the majority of people live with a brain tumor for five years or more Ninety percent are still alive after 20 years If you have undergone cancer treatment and have been diagnosed with a brain tumor know that there is hope and support available The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is here to help you understand this diagnosis and determine your options As an association of individuals with brain tumors as well as family members advocates physicians and scientists ABTA provides information about new treatments and clinical trials when appropriate With so many types of brain tumors ― low grade vs high grade.

How common are brain tumors by age?

According to the National Cancer Institute brain cancer accounts for 4 percent of all cancers among adults Brain tumors are far more common in children and young adults than in older people Some reasons for this include: All ages are at risk for brain tumors but children have a higher risk from birth through age 9. Brain tumor incidence is highest (in both children and adults) between the ages of 5 to 54 years The peak age range for meningiomas is the late 20s to early 30s while it’s for glioblastoma about 60 years old.

Can stress cause brain tumors?

High levels of stress have been linked to a variety of health problems including depression heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders Now new research suggests that stress may also play a role in the development of brain tumors Find out how high levels of stress can trigger the uncontrolled division and growth of brain cells which is characteristic of cancer cells Learn what you can do to reduce your risk for developing a tumor by reducing your stress level.

Who is most at risk for brain tumors?

Children under the age of 5 and people over the age of 65 are most at risk for developing brain tumors Most common in children these tumors are usually benign or noncancerous However sometimes brain tumors do turn out to be cancerous Surgery is the preferred treatment for many types of pediatric brain tumors because radiation therapy and chemotherapy can damage healthy tissue around the tumor.

Diagnosis Brain tumor

Diagnosis of a brain tumor starts off with a physical exam and a look at your clinical records.

The physical examination includes a totally distinctive neurological examination. Your health practitioner will take a look at a peer in case your cranial nerves are intact. These are the nerves that originate in your brain.

Your physician will look inside your eyes with an ophthalmoscope, which is a device that shines a light through your pupils and onto your retinas.

This allows your doctor to check how your pupils react to mild. It additionally lets your doctor look at your eyes at once to look if there’s any swelling of the optic nerve. When strain increases in the cranium, adjustments within the optic nerve can arise.

If it is suspected that you have a brain tumor, your doctor may recommend a number of tests and procedures. These may include:

• A test of the brain and nervous system.A neurological exam may include checking your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes. If one or more areas of the exam are difficult for you, that may suggest that you have a brain tumor.

• Imaging tests.MRI is a type of imaging that can be used to diagnose brain tumors.Some people have dye injected into their arms during MRI studies.
  Specialized MRI scan components, such as functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, may help your doctor see the tumor and plan treatment.Sometimes other tests, such as CT and PET scans, are recommended in certain situations.

• To collect a biopsy sample, you will need to cut a small piece of tissue from the abnormal area.After testing the sample, you will know if it is different from normal.A biopsy can be performed either as part of an operation to remove a brain tumor or by using a needle.
  A stereotactic needle biopsy may be done for brain tumors in hard-to-reach areas or sensitive areas within your brain. Your neurosurgeon will drill a small hole into your skull.A thin needle will be inserted through the hole.The tissue will be removed. The needle used for CT or MRI scanning is often guided by X-rays.A biopsy sample is examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or benign. Laboratory tests can provide your doctor with information about your prognosis and treatment options. Studying the biopsy sample and determining which type of brain tumor you have can be a complicated process. Biopsies are a complex process. If you're not sure about your diagnosis, consider seeking a second opinion at a medical center where many brain biopsies are performed every year.

Most brain tumors are highly treatable and can be successfully removed with surgery or destroyed using radiation or chemotherapy For most people brain cancer will not return or spread to other parts of the body which is referred to as being “free of disease.

Treatment Brain tumor

Brain tumors (whether or not number one or metastatic, benign or malignant) commonly are handled with surgical procedure, radiation, and/or chemotherapy — by myself or in numerous mixtures. While it's true that radiation and chemotherapy are used extra often for malignant, residual or recurrent tumors, decisions as to what remedy to apply are made on a case-by-means -of-case basis and rely on a range of things. There are dangers and aspect results related to each form of remedy.

Treating a brain tumor depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as your overall health and preferences.

Surgery

If the brain tumor is located in a place where surgery can be done, your surgeon will try to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Some brain tumors are smaller and can be easily removed with surgery.Other brain tumors can be located near sensitive areas in your brain, which makes surgery risky. In these cases, your doctor may recommend a different treatment plan.The doctor removes as much of the tumor as is safe.

Removing a portion of the brain tumor might help reduce your signs and symptoms.

Removing a brain tumor carries risks, such as infection and bleeding. Some risks may depend on the part of your brain where your tumor is located.For example, surgery to remove a tumor near nerves that control your eyes may carry a risk of vision loss.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is used to destroy tumor cells with high-energy beams. This can be done with X-rays or protons outside of the body (external beam radiation), or very rarely radiation can be placed inside your body close to your brain tumor (brachytherapy).

Radiation can be directed at the area of your brain where the tumor is located or it can be applied to your entire brain.Whole-brain radiation is usually used to treat cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body and caused multiple tumors.Decoupage is thought to improve memory and concentration in the brain.

Radiation therapy can be done using either X-rays or proton beams.Proton beam therapy is especially helpful for treating brain tumors in children and tumors located close to sensitive areas of the brain. Beam therapy is not as commonly available as traditional X-ray radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy has different side effects depending on the type and amount of radiation you receive. Common side effects during or shortly following radiation include fatigue, headaches, memory loss, scalp irritation, and hair loss.

Radiosurgery

Radiosurgery is a type of surgery that does not use traditional instruments.This treatment kills tumor cells in a very small area using multiple beams of radiation. Each beam of radiation is not particularly powerful, but the point of impact is very specific.The beams that kill tumor cells meet at an area near the tumor.

Radiosurgery is a technology that is used to deliver radiation to treat brain tumors with different machines.

Radiosurgery is typically done in one session and usually you can go home the same day.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill tumor cells.Drugs can be taken by mouth in pill form or injected into a vein.The most common chemotherapy drug used to treat brain tumors is temozolomide (Temodar).If the tumor is a certain type, other chemotherapy drugs may be prescribed.Cancer is a disease that can affect any part of the body.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type and dose of drugs you receive. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

Tests of your tumor cells will help to determine whether chemotherapy will be helpful for you.The type of tumor you have can also affect this decision.

Targeted drug therapy

Cancer treatments target specific abnormalities within cancer cells.This can cause cancer cells to die.

Treatment options for brain tumors include specific targeted therapy drugs. Your doctor may test your tumor cells to see if this type of treatment is an effective option for you.

Rehabilitation after treatment

Tumors can develop in parts of the brain that control movement, speech, vision, and thinking. If you need rehabilitation, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend different treatments.

• Physical therapyThis might help you regain lost motor skills or muscle strength.

• Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that helps people do the things they need to do every day.After a brain tumor or other illness, I will help you get back to your normal daily activities.

• Speech therapyIf you have difficulty speaking, you can talk to speech specialists.

• Tutoring for school-age childrenAfter a brain tumor, kids might experience changes in their memory and thinking. These changes can help them cope with the surgery and treatment they received.

More Information

• Mayo Clinic provides care for people with brain tumors.

• Ablation therapy

• Acupuncture

• Brain stereotactic radiosurgery

• Chemotherapy

• Hypnosis

• Meditation

• Radiation therapy

• Stereotactic radiosurgery

• Infographic:A proton beam is used to treat brain tumors.

Alternative medicine

There is little evidence to support the use of alternative treatments for brain tumors. However, complementary treatments may help you deal with the stress of a brain tumor diagnosis.

Some things that may help you cope include:

• Acupuncture

• Art therapy

• Exercise

• Meditation

• Music therapy

• Exercises that help you relax.

Discuss your options with your doctor.

Coping and support

When you are diagnosed with a brain tumor, it can be overwhelming and frightening. You may feel like you have no control over your health. But you can try to cope by doing the following:

• Be knowledgeable about brain tumors so that you can make informed decisions about your care.Talk to your doctor about your specific type of brain tumor. He can help you understand your treatment options and the likelihood of a positive outcome.

• Keep friends and family close.Having close relationships will help you deal with your brain tumor. Friends and family can provide practical support such as taking care of your home if you are in the hospital. And they can be emotionally supportive when you feel overwhelmed by cancer.

• Find someone to talk with.Find someone who will listen to you and understand your concerns. This could be a friend, family member, counselor, medical social worker, clergy member, or cancer support group.
  Talk to your doctor about support groups in your area. Or check your phone book for libraries that have cancer-related books or organizations such as the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have any concerns or signs that worry you, talk to your doctor. If you are diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may be referred to specialists who can help you.

• Neurologists are doctors who specialize in brain disorders.

• Doctors who treat cancer (oncologists)

• Doctors who use radiation to treat cancer (oncologists)

• Neuro-oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancers of the nervous system.

• Neurosurgeons are people who work on the brain and nervous system.

• Rehabilitation specialists

Be sure to prepare for your appointment. Here is some information to help you get ready.

What you can do

• Make sure to be aware of any restrictions that may come before your appointment.Make sure to ask if there are any special preparations you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet.

• Make a list of any symptoms you're experiencing.Make sure to bring any materials that may be related to the reason for your appointment, such as a document you need to show the doctor. Include any unrelated items, too, just in case.

• Write down key personal information,This process is best done after any major stresses or recent changes in your life.

• Make a list of all medications,The vitamins and supplements that you're taking.

• It is a good idea to have someone else along when you go to collect leaves.Someone who accompanies you to an appointment may remember something that you have forgotten.

• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

You have a limited amount of time with your doctor, so be sure to ask questions that are most important to you. You can also put these questions in order of importance if time runs out. Questions to ask your doctor about a brain tumor might include:

• What type of brain tumor do you have?

• Where is my brain tumor located?

• What is the size of my brain tumor?

• How aggressive is my brain tumor?

• Is my brain tumor cancerous?

• Will I need additional tests?

• What are my treatment options?

• Can any treatments cure my brain tumor?

• What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?

• What are your Preferred Treatment Options?

• Can you tell me about the chances of my surviving a brain tumor? What are the odds of someone with this diagnosis surviving?

• Should I see a doctor? How much will it cost and is my insurance likely to cover it?

• Can I take any brochures or printed material with me? What websites do you think I should visit?

• What will determine whether I need to make a follow-up visit?

If you have questions about your health, don't be afraid to ask. You may have other questions that occur to you too.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow time later to address other points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first start feeling the symptoms?

• Do your symptoms occur constantly or just occasionally?

• What are your symptoms like?

• What do you think might help improve your symptoms?

• If anything seems to make your symptoms worse, what should you do?

General summary

1. No brain tumors are not curable You may have heard of studies years ago where people with brain tumors were treated with radiation or chemotherapy and completely eliminated the tumor from their body However these tumors inevitably returned as a “recurrent” tumor—meaning that the cancer came back again in another part of the body After several rounds of treatment doctors found that although the recurrent tumor could be controlled for a while it would eventually grow back again These days most patients don't tolerate multiple courses of treatment over time and instead choose to live with their recurring tumors indefinitely.