Treatment Of Brain Cancer

Treatment of a brain tumor depends on many factors. These include the location, type and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and general health. Treatment methods and schedules often vary for children and adults. Management plan has been developed to meet the needs of each patient.

The patient's physician may want to discuss this issue with other medical treatment of brain tumors. In addition, patients may want to talk to a doctor involved in the search for new cures. Such studies are called clinical trials.

Many patients want to learn all they can for their disease and treatment options, so that they can actively participate in decision-making for their medical care. A brain tumor a person has a lot of questions, and the doctor is the best person to answer. Most patients want to know what kind of cancer they have, how it can be treated, how effective the treatment is likely to be, and what is likely to cost.

Many people find it useful to list of questions before seeing the doctor. Taking notes can make it easier to remember what the doctor said. Some patients have also found it helps to have a family member or friend when talking to the doctor or taking part in the discussion or just listen.

Patients and their families have much to learn about brain tumors and their treatment. They should not feel they need to understand everything the first time they see fit. They will have other opportunities to ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear.

What test is used to detect and diagnose adult brain tumors?

Tests that examine the brain and spinal cord are used to detect (find) adult brain tumor. The following tests and procedures may be used:

Computed tomography (CT): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The photos are taken by a computer linked to an x-ray machine A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. A substance called gadolinium is injected into the patient through a vein. Gadolinium collects around the cancer cells so that they appear brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

Adult brain tumor is diagnosed and removed during surgery. If a brain tumor is suspected, a biopsy is done by removing part of the skull and using a needle to remove a sample of brain tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope for cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, the doctor will remove as much tumor as safely possible during the same surgery. An MRI can be performed to determine whether cancer cells remain after surgery. Also perform tests to determine the extent of tumor.