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How to Care for a Brain Tumor
A brain tumor is a mass of cells in the brain or spinal cord that has grown abnormally. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and treatment options are determined by a number of factors, including the size, location, and type of tumor, as well as the patient's age and overall health. This article will go over how to treat a brain tumor and the various treatment options available
The most common treatment for brain tumors is surgery. During surgery, a neurosurgeon attempts to remove as much of the tumor as possible while avoiding damage to healthy brain tissue. In some cases, the entire tumor can be extracted, but in others, only a portion can. Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, surgery may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy
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Dr Philip Henkin Explained, Radiation therapy kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors by using high-energy X-rays. Depending on the location of the tumor, it can be administered externally or internally External radiation therapy involves directing a radiation beam from outside the body toward the tumor, whereas internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body near the tumor. Radiation therapy can result in fatigue, hair loss, and skin irritation.
Chemotherapy is a treatment that employs drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, including those in the brain The drugs can be taken orally or intravenously Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, and hair loss Chemotherapy is frequently used in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiation therapy, to improve its efficacy.
A newer treatment option that targets specific molecules in cancer cells is targeted therapy This therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatments. Side effects of targeted therapy include diarrhea, fatigue, and skin rash
Immunotherapy is a treatment that improves the immune system's ability to fight cancer It stimulates the immune system, causing it to recognize and attack cancer cells Immunotherapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies. Immunotherapy's side effects may include fatigue, fever, and skin rash Treatment options for brain tumors are determined by several factors, including the tumor's type, size, and location, as well as the patient's age and overall health.