Although treatment for brain cancer sometimes includes surgery, not all patients are candidates for surgery. A tumor may be considered inoperable if it is too large to be removed safely or is in a location that makes surgery dangerous. Other non-surgical treatments for brain cancer are available and may be aimed at a cure. Other treatments may be given to alleviate common brain tumor symptoms, such as weakness, vision and speech problems.
Types
There are a few different types of non-surgical treatments for brain cancer. Treatment will likely depend on the type of brain tumor, location and size. Chemotherapy may be administered, which is medication or a combination of medications administered to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is also an option. Medications may also be given that don't destroy the cancer but treat specific symptoms.
Function
Chemotherapy and radiation are both used to destroy the cancer cells in the brain. The response to treatment will vary and not all patients will have their tumor destroyed completely. In some instances, the treatment may be given to reduce tumor size, decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. Certain medications, such as steroids, are given to reduce swelling in the brain, which may occur with brain cancer.
Features
Conventional radiation therapy is usually given five days a week over the course of several weeks. The number of weeks it is prescribed will vary. Additional radiation therapy techniques are available; however; they require surgery. Chemotherapy may be administered orally, intravenously or through a port, which is surgically inserted in the chest. The frequency and duration of chemotherapy varies greatly.
Considerations
Certain limitations may exist with certain non-surgical treatments. For example, radiation therapy can only be administered in certain amounts due to potential damage to the healthy areas of the brain. The amount of radiation tolerated may vary among individuals. Chemotherapy may also have limitations depending on how the patient tolerates the side effects. Certain side effects, such as a decreased ability to fight infection, may prevent chemotherapy from continuing.
Side Effects
Everyone will respond differently to brain cancer treatments. In addition to destroying the cancerous cells, some treatments also affect healthy cells and cause side effects. Common side effects from chemotherapy include nausea, hair loss, fatigue and anemia. Radiation therapy may also cause hair loss, vomiting, headache and brain swelling. Steroids used in treatment may cause insomnia, mood changes, increase in appetite and weight gain. Medications are available, which may be given prior to or after treatment to combat side effects.
Tags: brain cancer, side effects, non-surgical treatments, radiation therapy, brain tumor, cancer cells