About this topic
A brain tumor is a growth of unhealthy cells in the brain that is not normal. Tumors grow when the cells are out of control and multiply rapidly. Brain tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). A tumor that is not cancer and does not spread to other parts of the body is called benign. A tumor that is cancer and can spread to other parts of the body is called malignant. ‚
Some tumors start in the brain. These are primary brain tumors. They may or may not be cancer. If a tumor starts somewhere else and spreads to the brain, it is a secondary brain tumor. This kind of tumor is always cancer. ‚
Brain tumors may be different sizes. They can start small and grow bigger. The signs you may have depend on the size of the tumor and where it is located in your brain. Treatment for brain tumors depends on the size, location, and type of the tumor. The doctor can do surgery, chemo, or radiation therapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined and used against the brain tumor. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you had surgery, follow your doctors orders for wound care.
- If you are having chemo or radiation, your doctor may give you drugs to help stop you from feeling sick or having other side effects.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more blood work, tests, or treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Help with side effects like upset stomach and throwing up
- Prevent infection
- Prevent seizures
- Reduce swelling and excess fluid in the brain
Will physical activity be limited?
Rest is important. Your activity level will depend on the procedure or treatment that you are getting. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your normal activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. If you need help or want some suggestions, ask to see a dietitian. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Cancer could come back
- Infection
- Reduced brain function
- Blurred eyesight
- Headache
- Seizures
- Change in behavior or personality
- Hearing loss
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal.
- Very bad headache
- Seizures
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs
- Blurred eyesight
- Very bad dizziness or passing out
- Confusion
- Hallucination
- Trouble speaking
- Very upset stomach or throwing up
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Join a support group to get to know other people who have coped with the condition. You may find it comforting to be with others who share your same problems. You can learn a lot from others who are going through the same thing as you. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what kind of treatment I will be having.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have headaches, seizures, or problems seeing or talking.
Where can I learn more?
American Brain Tumor Association ‚
http://www.abta.org/siteFiles/sitePages/9346E8C11554938FFB49915D6B08FB5D.pdf ‚
National Brain Tumor Society ‚
http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/Metastatic.html ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultbrain/Patient/page1 ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/281/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚