Primary Brain Tumor

Primary Brain Tumor

A primary brain tumor should have prompt treatment. Early treatment improves the chance of a good outcome for many tumors.
Treatment varies with the size and type of the tumor and the general health of the person. The goals of treatment may be cure of the disorder, relief of symptoms and improvement of function or comfort.
Surgery is indicated for most primary brain tumors. Some may be completely excised (removed). Tumors that are deep or that infiltrate brain tissue, may be debulked (removal of much of the mass of the tumor to reduce its size) rather than removed.
Surgery may reduce intracranial pressure and relieve symptoms in cases when the tumor cannot be removed. Stereotactic (guided by CT) surgery may be helpful in removing deep tumors.
Radiation therapy may be advised for tumors that are sensitive to this treatment. Anticancer medications (chemotherapy) may be recommended.
Other medications may include the following:
* Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling
* Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling (and associated increased intracranial pressure)
* Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures
* Analgesics to control pain
* Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers
Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other such steps may be required to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups and similar measures may be needed to help in coping with the disorder.
Legal advice may be helpful in formulating advanced directives, such as power of attorney, in cases where continued physical or intellectual decline is likely.