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DefinitionsA brain tumor is a collection of damaged cells that multiply out of control within the brain. Also called a neoplasm, growth, mass or lesion, a brain tumor is classified as either primary or secondary (metastatic), and can be benign or malignant.
While diagnosis of a brain tumor is difficult for families, there are also many reasons to be hopeful. Substantial progress had been made in the medical understanding of cancers and more effective treatment of brain tumors. Many of these treatment options are discussed below. FactsAccording to the North American Brain Tumor Coalition, an estimated 40,000 new cases of primary brain tumors are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Some research indicates that the number of primary brain tumors is rising, particularly in the elderly. Primary malignant brain tumors represent 2.4 percent of all deaths due to cancer in the U.S. However, nearly half of all primary brain tumors are benign and can be treated successfully. An additional 150,000 individuals are diagnosed with metastatic brain tumors each year. The frequency of metastatic brain tumors appears to be increasing: improvements in treating primary cancers elsewhere in the body allow people to live longer, but stray cancer cells can find their way to the brain. There are more than 100 types of brain tumors. Certain types of primary brain tumors most commonly occur in children, while others occur more frequently in adults. Adult brain tumors typically appear between the ages of 40 and 60 years, and occur slightly more often in men. SymptomsAs tumor cells multiply within the brain, they can press against, irritate and/or destroy normal brain tissue. As a result, brain tumors may cause symptoms such as:
Brain tumors may cause feelings of tiredness or fatigue. In addition, brain tumors can cause problems with memory, reading and talking. However, not everyone gets every symptom. About one-third of people with brain tumors have no symptoms at all. Diagnosing Brain TumorsBrain tumors may be diagnosed and evaluated using one or more of several different types of procedures:
MRI, CT, and PET scanning are all ways to take pictures of the inside of the body. They are all painless, and do not require surgery. These procedures are discussed in more detail below. MRI – Magnetic Resonance ImagingMRIs use an extremely strong magnet to produce images. With contrast-enhanced MRI, the patient is first injected with a dye that makes normal and tumor tissue display differently. If your loved one requires an MRI, be sure to tell your doctor of any history of allergies or drug reactions. Because the MRI uses a magnet, no metal can be brought into the room while the MRI is taking place. Patients who have pacemakers and/or metal implants cannot have an MRI. People who suffer from claustrophobia (the fear of being in tight spaces) may have difficulty dealing with the enclosed space of the MRI tube. There are a few possible solutions to this problem. If the imaging site allows it, a friend or relative can be there during the MRI. Another option, if the doctor agrees that it is appropriate, would be to take a tranquilizing medication before the scan. A third option would be to have the scan in a newer “open” MRI, which does not use a tube. CT – Computerized TomographyA CT scan may be used for patients who cannot undergo MRI because they have pacemakers, metal implants, allergies or claustrophobia. CT scan machines take multiple x-rays of small areas of the brain from different angles. The computer then combines the scans to make a detailed, three-dimensional image. Because iodine may be used as a contrast agent to enhance the image, you should tell the healthcare provider if your loved one has any allergies, diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems or thyroid conditions. Side effects from iodine use are infrequent. Your loved one may experience a brief warm or hot “flushed” sensation during the actual injection of the iodine and a brief “metallic” taste in the mouth. If your loved one experiences itching over various parts of their body, tell the healthcare provider so that they can prescribe medication to treat this response. Serious reactions are rare, and may include breathing difficulty, swelling of the throat, or swelling of other parts of the body. Any of these reactions should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. PET – Positron Emission Tomography ScanPET scans are sometimes used in addition to MRI or CT to evaluate brain tumors. After receiving treatment for a brain tumor, PET scans can also be used to detect new tumor growth and scar tissue or any necrosis (cells killed by radiation). BiopsyUnder certain circumstances, a doctor may need to take a biopsy. This means that a small piece of the tumor tissue may be surgically removed to be studied. Treating Brain TumorsThere is a range of options to be considered in the treatment of brain tumors. Your healthcare team will design a plan to help treat the tumor as well as to relieve any symptoms the brain tumor may be causing. The following healthcare professionals may be part of the treatment team:
SurgeryThe first treatment of choice, depending on the location and size of the tumor, is surgical removal of as much of the lesion as possible (also called resection). Surgery can also reduce symptoms caused by swelling in the skull, thus reducing the need for medication. Improvement in surgical techniques in recent years has made surgery much safer; however, surgery always has risks that you and your loved one should discuss with the oncologist and neurosurgeon. Surgery may be followed by radiotherapy (see below) to help prevent the formation of new tumors. In deciding whether surgery is right for your loved one, your doctor will consider the size, location and type of the tumor, overall health, and medical history. Radiation Therapy or RadiotherapyPatients with more than one tumor, or with one tumor that is not readily accessible, are typically treated with radiation therapy. Radiation Therapy is the use of painless x-rays directed to damage or destroy tumor cells. Radiation may be used after surgery to prevent the tumor from coming back (recurrence), or to destroy tumor tissue that could not be completely removed. In cases where surgery is not an option, radiotherapy may be used instead of surgery to destroy tumor tissue or to relieve symptoms. Radiation is painless, and is typically given in 15-minute visits over several weeks. Radiation has the potential to cause various side effects, depending on your treatment plan. Ask the radiation oncologist about potential side effects of treatment. Different types of radiotherapy are described below.
ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of special drugs to kill tumor cells. Some chemotherapy drugs are given by mouth; others are given by injection. In some cases, chemotherapy may need to be given without stopping over a long period of time. In this case, a pump or catheter may be placed underneath the skin to deliver the drugs. There is a chemically protective layer around the brain called the blood-brain barrier. This barrier can prevent the drugs or chemotherapy given by mouth or injection from reaching the brain. To solve this problem, new ways of giving chemotherapy are being developed to deliver the drug directly to the tumor. One example of this is chemotherapy wafer implants that are surgically implanted in the tumor site and deliver treatment over time. Because chemotherapy affects both healthy cells and tumor cells, side effects can occur. These vary depending on the type of drug and the individual. Side effects of drugs used in chemotherapy may include nausea or vomiting, skin rash, and occasionally soreness of the mouth or mouth ulcers. These side effects are usually reversible and may vary with each individual. For a listing of common chemotherapy drugs used to treat brain tumors and their specific side effects, visit: www.braintumor.org/patient_info/surviving/treatment/chemotherapy_effects.html Treating the SymptomsThe following treatments can help with the symptoms of a brain tumor, such as headaches and nausea, although they will not actually help to remove the tumor or cure your loved one: Steroids (Corticosteroids)Brain tumors often produce swelling and inflammation inside the skull. This can cause headaches, sleepiness and other problems. Steroids (corticosteroids), usually dexamethasone, reduce the swelling quickly and can improve mental functioning. Most patients feel better with short-term steroid medications; however, some will need to take steroids for more than a few months to control symptoms. If your loved one takes steroids as part of the treatment plan, be sure to tell the doctor or nurse about any changes in their health that you may notice. Steroids can cause side effects such as weight gain, increased appetite, insomnia and irritability. Also, your loved one should speak with the doctor if they decide to stop taking steroids as stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Anti-seizure Medications (Anticonvulsants)Medications may be given to help prevent seizures. These medications are called anti-seizure medications or anticonvulsants. There are several different anti-seizure medications available such as Tegretol, Depakote, Neurontin, and Phenobarbitol. If your loved one is taking an anti-seizure medication as part of the treatment plan and either it does not work or causes unpleasant side effects, the doctor will be able to switch to a different medication. Complementary TherapiesYour loved one’s medical treatment is carefully planned to control the disease and reduce the symptoms as much as possible. Many people seek out complementary therapies to help them feel better and cope with the stress of cancer. These therapies are not meant to replace the medical therapy, but may help your loved one to manage his or her symptoms. Complementary therapies for cancer may include stress management, relaxation and imagery training, meditation, group support, family counseling, nutrition, herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture and education. Some cancer centers and hospitals offer these services for people with cancer, their families, and their caregivers. Can Clinical Trials Help Your Loved One?Clinical trials are research studies to test new treatments. For cancer research a clinical trial might focus on medication, surgery, radiotherapy, a new type of therapy, or some combination of these. Benefits of participating in clinical trials include:
The possible risks of participating in clinical trials include:
Doctors are now investigating several treatments for brain tumors in clinical trials. Some new drugs are designed to increase the effectiveness of standard treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Other new treatments are designed to change tumor cells, so that their growth is under control. There are many ways to find trials that might be appropriate for your loved one. Start by asking the doctor about what trials are available. Various organizations also provide lists of trials along with information about what is being tested, and where the trial is occurring. See the section below entitled Resources for information on how to contact these organizations. Be sure to check with your loved one’s health insurance provider to see whether the costs of participating in the clinical trial are covered. What Will Happen After Treatment?After treatment, a patient’s health is monitored closely. An MRI, CT, or other type of imaging scan may be done every so often to see if the treatment is working. Frequent physical exams will help the doctor find out if the cancer has returned or if side effects are a problem. Be sure to report any recurrence of symptoms or other changes in your loved one’s health promptly to the doctor or nurse. Issues for CaregiversQ: What effects do brain tumors have on the mind, emotions or personality? Brain tumors can indeed affect the mind, emotions, and/or personality. Problems with memory, speech, and/or concentration may occur. Your loved one may face serious mental challenges with feelings of confusion. Moods may change, as may the way a person acts. Your loved one may have difficulty doing more than one task at a time. Various treatments may slow the progression of these symptoms, so check with the doctor about what treatments may help. Be aware that a neuropsychologist can help with rehabilitation. In order to come up with an effective plan, the neuropsychologist will first do a series of tests to look at your loved one’s emotions, behaviors, and mental abilities. Based on the results of the tests, one or more of the following may be recommended:
Q: How can the home be safer for your loved one with brain tumors? Due to possible muscle weakness, changes in balance, and other considerations, the following may help make the home a safer place for your loved one:
Q: How can I cope emotionally? As a caregiver, you may choose to receive counseling either to (1) learn how to help your loved one deal with the mental changes they are having, or (2) learn to deal with your own reactions to changes in your loved one. This is a difficult time for everyone involved. While illness may bring people closer together, it may also cause tension, unhappiness and stress. Here are some suggestions for coping:
CreditsAmerican Brain Tumor Association, 1994, Coping With A Brain Tumor, Des Plaines, IL. American Brain Tumor Association, 1996, A Primer of Brain Tumors, Sixth Edition, Des Plaines, IL. National Brain Tumor Foundation, 2002, Coping with your Loved One’s Brain Tumor, Oakland, CA. National Brain Tumor Foundation, 2004, Understanding Brain Metastases: A Guide for Patient and Caregiver, Oakland, CA. Recommended Readings/LinksNavigating Through A Strange Land. A Book For Brain Tumor Patients and Their Families, Patricia Ann Roloff (Ed), 1995, Indigo Press, 109 Walnut St., San Francisco, CA 94118. Coping With a Brain Tumor Part I: From Diagnosis to Treatment and Part II: During and After Treatment, American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Ste. 146, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Coping with Your Loved One’s Brain Tumor, National Brain Tumor Foundation 2002. Available online: www.braintumor.org/pservices/pdfarchive/CopingBrochure.pdf A Primer of Brain Tumors, Sixth Edition, Gail Segal, 1996, available from the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Ste. 146, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Love, Medicine and Miracles, Bernie Siegel, 1986, Harper Perennial, New York, NY, (800) 242-7737. Brain Tumors: A Guide, the National Brain Tumor Foundation, 2003, 414 Thirteenth St, Suite 700, Oakland, CA 94612-2603 (800) 934 2873. www.braintumor.org. Also available: SEARCH (Newsletter), National Brain Tumor Foundation Brain Tumor Resource Directory (2003), National Brain Tumor Foundation. Available online. “How Brain Tumors Affect the Mind, Emotion, and Personality”, National Brain Tumor Foundation, 2002. Available online: www.braintumor.org/pservices/pdfarchive/Fact%20Sheet-NeuroPsych.pdf Family Caregiver Alliance Fact Sheets: Available by sending $1.00 to FCA Publication Orders, 180 Montgomery St., Ste. 1100, San Francisco, CA 94104 or free online. Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers ResourcesFamily Caregiver Alliance FCA’s National Center on Caregiving offers information on current social, public policy and caregiving issues and provides assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers. For residents of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, FCA provides direct family support services for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, brain tumors, ALS, head injury, Parkinson’s disease and other debilitating health conditions that strike adults. Brain Science Foundation Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States The Healing Exchange BRAIN TRUST National Cancer Institute North American Brain Tumor Coalition |
Some Brain Tumor and Caregiver Information
November 1st, 2007 · No Comments
Tags: advice · brain cancer · Brain Tumor · cancer · condition · education · family · Links · Radiosurgery · surgery · tip · tumor · usefull info
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