As the most common form of cancer, brain tumors can affect one in four people. Each year, around 150,000 people are diagnosed with metastatic brain tumors. About 40 percent of patients with lung cancer develop brain tumors as a result of their disease. Historically, brain tumors have had a poor outcome, with survival rates as low as weeks. Today, however, the standard of care for brain tumors has greatly improved. New diagnostic tools and innovative surgical and radiation techniques have improved survival rates. According to Philip Henkin this improved survival rates has greatly improved the quality of life for brain tumor patients.
Radiation therapy is the most common form of treatment for brain tumors. It kills the cancer cells inside the brain by bombarding the affected areas with external beams. In addition, radiation therapy can reduce the growth of the brain tumor. Radiation therapy is given to patients in a series of treatments, one or more weeks apart. Depending on the type of brain tumor, this treatment can be either external-beam or internal-beam radiation therapy. Surgery for brain tumors varies depending on its size, location, and potential to invade surrounding tissues. In some cases, the tumor may be removed through a small opening in the skull called a craniotomy. Other treatments may include cyst drainage, which involves placing a permanent catheter into the cyst. The catheter then connects to a reservoir under the scalp for drainage. It may take up to four months for the process to be completed. In addition to cancerous tumors, benign brain tumors can also be classified as malignant. Non-malignant tumors grow slowly and do not spread, but they are still serious enough to require brain tumor treatment. The most effective treatment will depend on the type of tumor and its location. In some cases, non-malignant brain tumors may require surgery or chemotherapy. However, benign tumors may not need treatment. A doctor will evaluate the condition and recommend the best course of action. Philip Henkin thinks that, genetics can also play a part in developing a brain tumor. Some types are inherited, while others are acquired. However, most cases of brain cancer are unrelated to genes. As a result, people with a family history of cancer may be at a higher risk of developing brain tumors than non-disease-causing individuals. Although genetics is not a cause of brain tumor, exposure to X-rays or chemicals can greatly increase your risk. Radiation therapy is another form of brain tumor treatment. A Gamma Knife is a special type of X-ray device that gives surgeons a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor. Unlike radiation therapy, chemotherapy can be given to people with a single session. Chemotherapy drugs are taken orally, or injected into the bloodstream. Although they may not be a cure, they can greatly reduce symptoms and slow tumor growth. A neurosurgeon may perform a biopsy to determine the type of brain tumor. The objective is to remove a sample of tumor tissue and examine it under a microscope. Sometimes, the surgeon uses a head frame to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. This allows the surgeon to guide a needle to the tumor. It is important that a surgeon is able to locate the tumor's location before performing the surgery. When the tumor is large, however, it may be impossible to remove it completely. In such cases, a doctor may use a technique known as stereotaxis to extract a sample of tissue. After undergoing brain tumor surgery, people with the condition may experience some discomfort after the operation. Recovery can take a few days, so patients may need to stay in the hospital for three to ten days. The length of recovery varies from person to person, and it can be difficult to know the extent of your symptoms after surgery. Some people experience complete recovery from brain tumor surgery while others may experience long-term side effects. Philip Henkin believes that, it's important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options before deciding which is the best option for you. When the first diagnosis is not confirmed by neuroimaging, a second doctor can provide additional information. If the second opinion is favorable, it may lead to a different treatment option, giving the patient more control over their condition. The second opinion process is not easy, however, and may take weeks to complete. Regardless, a delay in treatment will not reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You should discuss any delay in treatment with your doctor.
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