About this topic
A brain tumor is a growth of cells in the brain that is not normal. Tumors grow when the cells multiply rapidly and out of control. Brain tumors may be benign or malignant. 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 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 called metastasis. This kind of tumor is always cancer. ‚
Brain tumors may be different sizes. They can start small and grow bigger. The signs you have depend on the size of the tumor and where it is located in your brain. Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of the brain tumor. The doctor can do surgery, chemo, or radiation therapy. Sometimes, these are used together to treat 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 to care for your child.
- If your child had surgery, follow your doctors instructions for wound care.
- If your child is having chemo or radiation, the doctor may give drugs to help stop your child from feeling sick or having other effects.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your child may need more blood work, tests, or treatment.
- Your child may be sent to a psychiatrist therapist. This may help your child understand and cope with this condition.
- The doctor may send your child to therapists for more help. These include:
- Physical therapy ¢ ˆ ’ This will help your child get back motor skills like walking and having balance.
- Occupational therapy ¢ ˆ ’ This will help retrain your child on skills like using a toilet and dressing.
- Speech therapy ¢ ˆ ’ This will help your child get back speech skills like talking and expressing thoughts.
- Tutoring ¢ ˆ ’ This may help your child cope with memory changes.
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs your child will need to take. Give drugs as ordered by the doctor. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control 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 childs activity level will depend on the procedure or treatment. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for your child. Ask the doctor when your child can go back to normal activities like daycare or school. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. If your child needs help, ask to see a dietitian. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Cancer could come back
- Infection
- Reduced brain function
- Problems with seeing or hearing
- Headache
- Seizures
- Change in behavior
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, or wound that will not heal.
- Very bad headache
- Seizures
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Problems seeing like blurred eyesight or hallucinations
- Feeling confused, dizzy, or if your child passes out
- Trouble speaking
- Very upset stomach or throwing up
- Health problem is not better or your child is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. 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 childs condition.
- I can tell you what kind of treatment my child will be having.
- I can tell you how to care for my child's cut site, if my child had surgery.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has headaches, seizures, or problems seeing or talking.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/_cancer_center/cancer_basics/brn_tumors.html ‚
National Brain Tumor Society ‚
http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/Metastatic.html ‚
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. ‚