How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed? - Treatment of Brain Tumor

Symptoms of brain tumors vary according to the type of tumor and the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions of the body, where the tumor lies affects the way symptoms are manifested.

Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumors may have symptoms that develop slowly.

A common initial symptom of a brain tumor is headaches. Often, they don't respond to the usual headache remedies. Keep in mind that most headaches are unrelated to brain tumors.

Other symptoms include:

·         Seizures

·         Changes in speech or hearing

·         Changes in vision

·         Balance problems

·         Problems with walking

·         Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

·         Problems with memory

·         Personality changes

·         Inability to concentrate

·         Weakness in one part of the body

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions. Don't assume you have a brain tumor just because you experience some of them. Check with your doctor.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

To diagnose a brain tumor, the doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or she performs a physical exam, including a neurological exam. If there's reason to suspect a brain tumor, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests:

·      Imaging studies such as a CT(CAT) scan or MRI to see detailed images of the brain

·     Angiogram or MRA, which involve the use of dye and X-rays of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of a tumor or abnormal blood vessels

The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumor is cancer. A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

HOW TO TREAT BRAIN TUMORS

• Tumors near the surface of the brain may be surgically removed. In many cases, however, it is only possible to remove a portion of a tumor, since taking it all out would cause unacceptable amounts of brain damage. Still, removing even part of it may afford a period of improvement by relieving pressure within the cranium.
• Tumors deep within the brain may be treated with microsurgery, laser surgery, or radiation therapy.
• For malignant primary tumors, surgery may be followed with radiation or chemotherapy. Surgery may also be preceded by radiation.
• Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling of brain tissue, anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures, and pain relievers.

Treatment for brain tumors is based on many factors, such as:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• The type, location, and size of the tumor
• How likely the tumor is to spread or recur
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Treatment for these symptoms may include:

• Antiseizure/Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
• Steroids
• Surgery

Often, low-grade tumors (grade I and II), which are not aggressive, are treated with watchful monitoring or surgery alone. Though all tumors are monitored with repeat scans, grade II tumors are watched more closely after surgery and over time to make sure there is no recurrence.

Higher grade tumors (grade III and IV), which are malignant and can grow quickly, are more difficult to remove and require additional treatments beyond surgery, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial if one is available. Microscopic tumor cells can remain after surgery and will eventually grow back. All treatments, therefore, are intended to prolong and improve life for as long as possible.

Additional treatment options for high-grade tumors include:

• Radiation therapy: X-rays and other forms of radiation can destroy tumor cells or delay tumor growth.
• Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It can be taken orally or intravenously.
• Targeted therapy: The focus on a specific element of a cell, such as molecules or path
  
  
  
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