Thursday, April 29, 2010

Symptoms and Signs of Brain Cancer and Treatment



Every individual having brain tumors should receive unique and individual brain cancer treatment. The treatment generally depends on the individual's age, general health, and size and location of the tumor.There are several questions surrounding brain cancer treatment. The nature of treatment, its effects, and the long-term outcomes are some of them. Doctors are best equipped to handle these questions.

Overview of brain cancer treatment

Brain cancer treatment is generally complex. Some treatment plans will require multiple doctors.

1. The medical team usually comprises neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and a general practitioner. Individuals may also want to include a dietitian, social worker, and physiotherapists.

2. The nature of the treatment will depend on location, size and type of the tumor. Existing medical conditions and age are other factors that need considerations when deciding the nature of treatment.


Unlocking The Mystery Of Brain Tumor Symptoms


Brain Cancer Surgery

Most individuals who have a brain tumor are required to undergo surgery.

1. Surgery helps confirm the abnormality seen in the brain scans. Nature of the tumor and method of removal are also determined at the time of surgery. Surgeons will most probably take a sample of the tumor that needs to be removed.

2. When it comes to benign tumors, most symptoms vanish with the removal of the tumor.

3. A modern method for removal of tumors can be performed without a knife and is called stereotactic surgery. The tumor is removed without opening the skull. MRI and CT scans are used to determine the exact location of the tumor within the brain. Radiation beams are focused on the tumor from different directions. Radiation helps destroy the tumor. This method is also known as 'gamma knife'.

4. Knifeless surgeries have fewer complications. The recovery time, too, is much shorter.


Abdominal Migraines Symptoms, Causes and Treatments


Before surgery, individuals may have to undergo several treatment plans.

1. Administration of dexamethasone helps reduce swelling. It is also a steroid drug.

2. Treatment with anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine, relieves seizures. It also prevents its formation.

3. Excessive cerebrospinal fluid around the brain can be drained away by a thick plastic tube known as a shunt. One end of the shunt is fixed in the cavity where the fluid gathers. The other end is threaded under the skin to another body part. The fluid drains into a site from where it can be easily eliminated.


How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer

Brain Cancer Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, involves usage of high-energy rays to destroy cells of the tumor. This prevents tumors from growing and multiplying.

1. Individuals who cannot undergo surgery are prescribed radiation therapy. In some cases, it may be used after surgery to destroy tumor cells.

2. Radiation therapy is local in nature, which means that only targeted cells are affected. Other brain and body cells are not affected.

Palliative treatments are designed to elevate the comfort levels of the patient. It also helps ease pain. Patients can also explore the field of latest treatments by signing up for clinical trials.
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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Headache May Be One of the Brain Tumor Symptoms

Having headache occasionally is quite common to all, and there is nothing to worry. If it is constant or recurring, it creates in many patients a stress. Instantly they rush to their family care doctor or to a special clinic with a fear that it may be one of the brain tumor symptoms. If the doctor suspects symptoms of brain tumor, the patient feels highly afraid of his pathetic condition with each and everything.

Sometimes, stress causes tension headache symptoms which are identified as 'secondary' since stress is the organism's total response to environmental demands or pressures. Whatever may be the causes of headache, clinical specialists do view seriously. Still, the headache is exclusively dependent on the condition of the patient.

The headache with brain tumor symptoms is entirely different from one due to stress. Sometimes, the patient experiences severe headache symptoms and complaints known as "red flags" connected with coughing, sneezing or bending over.

All such symptoms are serious to any patient as they can consequently cause other complications. Many patients can also have some other attacks with neurological symptoms like partial memory loss and affected personality.

The symptoms can also include dizziness, tinnitus and incontinence. When the diagnosis gives abnormal results and the patient has visual defects or weakness then either a CT or MRI of the brain is needed. So, headache of any nature is serious and needs immediate treatment from a neurological specialist.

Signs of brain tumor headaches:

It can produce increased pain all over the day that is throbbing in nature. The pain will be mild in the morning and then gradually progressing to the worst level throughout the day. In some cases, the pain will be deep all through the day. To the worst of all, it extends over weeks or even months together. Some patients may experience the symptoms of migraine.

Treatment

There are certain things which should be normally avoided to be free any risky condition. They include chain smoking, consuming tobacco, and consuming excess alcohol. At the beginning stage, chemotherapy and radiation may be helping you with constant care.

Some patients, steroids can relieve pains by progressive steps. The response will be good for steroids or anti-inflammatories. When there is no improvement they need surgery. Many times the symptoms disappear after surgery.
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