Brain Cancer Disease Information

About Brain Tumors

The brain is the center of thought, memory, emotion, speech, sensation and motor function. The spinal cord and special nerves in the head called cranial nerves carry and receive messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Facts About Brain Tumors

Treating Brain Tumors

If doctors determine that you have a tumor, the treatment options and prognosis are based on the following factors:

Understanding Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, sometimes called radiotherapy, is the careful use of radiation to safely and effectively treat many different kinds of tumors.

Radiation Therapy Options

People with brain tumors should discuss treatment options with a number of cancer specialists, including a radiation oncologist. A radiation oncologist is a doctor who will help you understand the types of radiation therapy available to treat your tumor. Radiation therapy treatment options for brain tumors include:

Depending on your tumor, you may also undergo surgery and/or chemotherapy, either before or after radiation.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation therapy involves a series of daily outpatient treatments over several weeks to accurately deliver radiation to the brain. Radiation is often given after surgery, and sometimes it is used instead of surgery.

X-rays, electrons and protons are all types of energy used in external beam radiation therapy.

Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, works by placing radioactive sources in, or just next to, a tumor.

Newer Techniques

Doctors are constantly exploring newer and better ways to treat primary brain tumors.

Possible Side Effects

Be sure to talk to your radiation oncologist before you start treatment, to make sure you understand what side effects are common for your treatment and how best to handle them.

Caring for Yourself During Treatment

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