Supportive Care
A brain tumor and its treatment can lead to other
health problems. You may receive supportive care to
prevent or control these problems.
You can have supportive care before, during, and
after cancer treatment. It can improve your comfort and
quality of life during treatment.
Your health care team can help you with the
following problems:
- Swelling of the brain: Many people with brain
tumors need steroids to help relieve swelling of the
brain.
- Seizures: Brain tumors can cause seizures
(convulsions). Certain drugs can help prevent or
control seizures.
- Fluid buildup in the skull: If fluid builds up in the
skull, the surgeon may place a shunt to drain the
fluid. Information about shunts is in the Surgery part
of the Treatment section.
- Sadness and other feelings: It's normal to feel sad,
anxious, or confused after a diagnosis of a serious
illness. Some people find it helpful to talk about
their feelings. See the Sources of Support section
for more information.
Many people with brain tumors receive supportive
care along with treatments intended to slow the
progress of the disease. Some decide not to have
antitumor treatment and receive only supportive care to
manage their symptoms.
You can get information about supportive care at
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/coping on the NCI
Web site and from the NCI Cancer Information Service at
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or LiveHelp
(http://www.cancer.gov/help).
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