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Brain Tumors

    Posted: 03/31/2003



Introduction






The Brain






Understanding Cancer






Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors






Tumor Grade






Primary Brain Tumors






Secondary Brain Tumors






Brain Tumors: Who's at Risk?






Symptoms






Diagnosis






Treatment






Getting a Second Opinion






Preparing for Treatment






Methods of Treatment






Side Effects of Treatment






Surgery






Radiation Therapy






Chemotherapy






Supportive Care






Rehabilitation






Followup Care






Support for People with Brain Tumors






The Promise of Cancer Research






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Preparing for Treatment

The doctor can describe treatment choices and discuss the results expected with each treatment option. The doctor and patient can work together to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient's needs.

Treatment depends on a number of factors, including the type, location, size, and grade of the tumor. For some types of brain cancer, the doctor also needs to know whether cancer cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid.

These are some questions a person may want to ask the doctor before treatment begins:

  • What type of brain tumor do I have?

  • Is it benign or malignant?

  • What is the grade of the tumor?

  • What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?

  • What are the benefits of each kind of treatment?

  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

  • What is the treatment likely to cost?

  • How will treatment affect my normal activities?

  • Would a clinical trial (research study) be appropriate for me? Can you help me find one?

People do not need to ask all of their questions or understand all of the answers at one time. They will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more information.

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