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Hypothalamic tumor
Alternative Names: Hypothalamic glioma Treatment: The treatment depends on the aggressiveness of the tumor and whether it is a glioma or another type of cancer. Treatment options involve combinations of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Text Continues Below Special radiation treatments can be focused on some tumors (Gamma knife) and can be as effective as surgery but pose less risk to surrounding tissue. Brain swelling caused by a tumor may need to be treated with steroids. Hypothalamic tumors may produce hormones or alter hormone production, leading to imbalances that may need to be corrected. In some cases, hormone replacement or suppression may be necessary. Support Groups: There are nationwide and state support groups for patients with hypothalamic tumors and their families, which may be found via an Internet search. Expectations (prognosis): Prognosis depends on several factors: The specific type of tumor (that is, glioma or other type) Location of the tumor Grade of tumor Size of tumor Age and general health of the patient. In general, gliomas in adults are more aggressive than in children and usually indicate a worse outcome. Tumors causing hydrocephalus may cause additional complications, such as requirement for surgery. Complications: Complications of brain surgery may include the following: Bleeding Infection Brain damage Death (rarely) Seizures can result from the tumor or from any surgical procedure on the brain. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>