Brain tumor - adults

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Brain tumor - adults

Alternative Names:

Glioblastoma multiforme - adults; Ependymoma - adults; Glioma - adults; Astrocytoma - adults; Medulloblastoma - adults; Neuroglioma - adults; Oligodendroglioma - adults; Meningioma - adults; Cancer - brain tumor (adults)

Treatment:

A primary brain tumor should have prompt treatment. Early treatment improves the chance of a good outcome for many tumors.

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The treatment approach varies with the size and type of the tumor and the general health of the person. The goals of treatment may be to cure the disorder, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or the person's comfort.

Surgery is necessary for most primary brain tumors. Some may be completely removed. Tumors that are deep or that infiltrate brain tissue may be debulked (reducing the tumor's size and mass) rather than removed.

In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.

Radiation therapy may be advised for tumors that are sensitive to radiation. Anticancer medications (chemotherapy) may be recommended.

Other medications may include the following:

Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling
Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure
Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures
Pain medications
Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers

Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other such steps may be required to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups and similar measures may be needed to help in coping with the disorder.

Legal advice may be helpful in creating advanced directives, such as power of attorney, in cases where the person's condition is expected to get worse.

Support Groups:

For additional information, see cancer resources.

Complications:

Brain herniation (often fatal)
- Uncal herniation
- Foramen magnum herniation
Permanent, progressive, profound neurologic losses
Loss of ability to interact or function
Side effects of medications, including chemotherapy
Side effects of radiation treatments
Return of tumor growth

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop any new, persistent headaches or other symptoms suggestive of a brain tumor.

Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you have seizures that are new, or suddenly develop stupor (reduced alertness), vision changes, or speech changes.