Treatments For Brain Tumors
There are many different ways in order to treat brain tumors, but the size, location, age and general health of the patient, and the type, grade of tumor determines the best and effective treatment. [8]
Surgery
If the tumor is easily accessible and of low grade, the surgery is the most effective option. The surgery helps to remove either entire or most part of the tumor. 8-10 days of minimum stay in hospital is advised post-operation.
A neurosurgeon creates an opening in the skull, which lies close to the tumor. This process is called craniotomy. Removal of entire or any part of the tumor is a good specimen for the conduction of further biopsy. This sample of removed tumor suggests whether, and which sort of radiations will work for the complete removal of cancer cells. The removal of brain tumor improves the quality of life and slows the reproduction of tumor cells. Brain surgery for the removal of tumor is not an option for everyone, because sometimes the tumor is very closely located to arteries. If the tumor is metastatic, it requires a more technical approach. No matter the effectiveness of surgical treatment, it is not a permanent solution for curing brain tumors. Often times, even after the tumor is removed, the cells continue to grow abnormally.
Common side effects of surgery can be:
- Bleeding
- Swelling of the brain
- Reaction of brain to anesthesia.