The short answer
Brain tumor treatment depends on the type, grade, and location of the tumor. Surgery to remove as much as safely possible is often the first step, followed by radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy. Treatment aims to control the tumor while protecting brain function.
Treatment depends on the tumor's type, grade, and location.
Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible is often the first step.
Radiation therapy is commonly used, sometimes after surgery.
Chemotherapy or other drug therapies may be used for certain tumors.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Brain tumor treatment depends on the tumor's type, grade, and location. It often begins with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, followed by radiation and sometimes chemotherapy. A key goal is to control the tumor while protecting brain function.
Surgery first, when possible
Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible without harming important brain functions, and it provides a tissue sample to confirm the type and grade. Because of a tumor's location, it cannot always be fully removed.
Surgery aims to remove as much tumor as possible while protecting brain function.
Radiation and drug therapies
Other treatments are often added:
- Radiation therapy — high-energy rays to kill tumor cells, often after surgery or when surgery is not possible
- Chemotherapy or other drug therapies — used for certain tumor types, alongside surgery and radiation
A plan built for you
The care team weighs the tumor's type, grade, and location against the goal of protecting brain function, along with your overall health and wishes. Ask about the goals of each treatment, possible effects on thinking, speech, or movement, and whether a clinical trial is an option.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What are the main treatments?
The main treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy or other drug therapies. The combination depends on the tumor's type, grade, and location.
▸What does surgery do?
Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible without harming important brain functions. It also provides a tissue sample to confirm the type and grade. Sometimes a tumor cannot be fully removed because of its location.
▸When is radiation used?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells. It is often used after surgery, or as a main treatment when surgery is not possible, and can target the tumor precisely.
▸Is chemotherapy used for brain tumors?
Chemotherapy or other drug therapies are used for certain brain tumors, often alongside surgery and radiation. The choice depends on the specific tumor type.
▸How is the plan chosen?
The care team weighs the tumor's type, grade, and location against the goal of protecting brain function, along with the person's overall health and wishes.
Questions to ask your doctor
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