Brain Tumors: Primary - Common Brain Tumors

Treatment

The standard approach for treating brain tumors is to reduce the tumor as much as possible using surgery, radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy), or chemotherapy. Such treatments are used alone or, more commonly, in combination with one another.

The intensity, combination, and sequence of treatments depend on the brain tumor type (there are over 100 types of brain tumors), its size and location, and patient age, health status, and medical history. Unlike other types of cancer, there is no formal staging system for brain tumors.

With some very slow-growing cancers, such as those that occur in the midbrain or optic nerve pathway, patients may be closely observed and not treated until the tumor shows signs of growth.

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Emotional Support for Patients and Caregivers

Support for patients and their families is a critical component of treatment and management. Helpful measures include:

• Any physical impairment that could benefit from home equipment or physical therapy should be identified and treated.
• Patients should discuss emotional as well as physical issues with their doctors. Depression, for instance, can be medically treated. Caregivers should also seek help for the inevitable stress, depression, and tension arising from their difficult role.
• Relaxation techniques, meditation, and spiritual resources may be helpful. Support groups are beneficial, but mental health professionals recommend separate groups for patients and their families.

Review Date: 10/21/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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