A mass or abnormal growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord is referred to as a brain tumor. The size, location, and type of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and general health, all affect the treatment options for these tumors, which can either be benign or malignant. This article will cover how to treat a brain tumor and the various available treatments.
The most popular form of treatment for brain tumors is surgery. During surgery, a neurosurgeon attempts to preserve healthy brain tissue while removing as much of the tumor as they can. Some tumors can be completely removed, while in others, only a portion can be taken out. Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be administered after surgery.
Dr. Philip Henkin recommends High-energy X-rays are used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and reduce tumor size. In accordance with the location of the tumor, it may be administered either internally or externally. Internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body close to the tumor, whereas external radiation therapy involves directing a radiation beam at the tumor from outside the body. Fatigue, hair loss, and skin irritability are a few of the side effects that radiation therapy may bring on.
Drugs are used in chemotherapy to eradicate cancer cells across the body, including those in the brain. The medications can be administered intravenously or orally. Side effects from chemotherapy can include dizziness, nausea, and hair loss. To improve the efficacy of other treatments, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy is frequently combined with them.
A more recent option for treatment is targeted therapy, which targets particular molecules in cancer cells. You can use this form of therapy both by itself and in conjunction with other forms of care. Diarrhea, fatigue, and skin rashes are a few potential side effects of targeted therapy.
A type of treatment called immunotherapy strengthens the immune system's capacity to combat cancer. It functions by inciting the immune system to identify and combat cancer cells. Both alone and in conjunction with other treatments, immunotherapy is an option. Immunotherapy's adverse effects can include fatigue, fever, and skin rashes. The type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and general health, all affect the treatment options for brain tumors.