Brain Tumor: Surgery and Other Treatment Options

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Brain tumor surgery is challenging because the brain and spinal cord are delicate organs, but recent research has significantly improved surgeons’ ability to provide better treatment options. Such treatments include more refined surgical approaches, identification of various types of tumors that respond to chemotherapy, and more targeted delivery of radiation therapy.

Benign and Malignant

Brain tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors can generally be removed and they seldom grow back. Some benign tumors however press on sensitive areas of the brain and could cause serious health problems; and although benign tumors are rarely life-threatening, they could sometimes be.

Malignant tumors are masses of cancer cells that multiply rapidly and invade the healthy parts of the brain. They can also spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment Overview

The treatment options generally depend on several factors that include:

· Size, type, and grade of the tumor

· Whether it is creating pressure on other sensitive areas of the body

· Whether it has spread to other parts of the body

· Side effects of the treatment

· Patient's overall health

Some types of tumors in the brain grow rapidly and others grow slowly. Depending on your doctor's treatment plan, your treatment options could include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these.

Brain Tumor Surgery

Surgery is generally the first approach used for treating brain tumors. Removing the tumor can improve some of the neurological symptoms, and it can also provide doctors with tissue for further diagnosis.

In this particular surgery, a portion of the skull is removed to reach the tumor. The tumor is then removed. Bony parts from the patient's body are used to cover up the opening in the skull. If a tumor cannot be reached due to its location (in or near an important structure), it is considered inoperable, and other treatment options are explored--such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Now, advanced surgical techniques such as cortical mapping allow doctors to identify the areas of the brain that control senses, speech, motor skills, and more. Advanced imaging devices assist doctors in identifying the exact location of a tumor.

Other treatment options

Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used either to slow down or stop tumor growth. Radiation therapy is generally used along with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. In the case of brain tumors, chemotherapy is generally used after surgery if the tumor has grown again.

Reference Links: http://EzineArticles.com/9472126

Related Post:

Chronic Back Pain and Neuro-Spinal Stimulation

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