Hypothalamic tumor

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Hypothalamic glioma

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.

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.

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There are nationwide and state support groups for patients with hypothalamic tumors and their families that may be found via an Internet search.

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 of brain surgery may include the following:

• Bleeding
  • Brain damage
  • Death (rarely)
• Infection

Seizures can result from the tumor or from any surgical procedure on the brain.

Hydrocephalus can occur with some tumors and can require surgery or a catheter placement in the brain to reduce spinal fluid pressure.

Risks of radiation therapy include damage to healthy brain cells along with destruction of the tumor cells.

Common side effects from chemotherapy include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.

Call your health care provider if you or your child develops any symptoms of a hypothalamic tumor. Regular medical check-ups may detect early signs of a problem, such as abnormal weight gain or abnormal puberty.

Review Date: 03/21/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).