How is brain tumour treated?

A brain tumour can be benign or cancerous, and different tumours grow at different speeds. An MRI scan helps show its size, position, and relationship to important brain structures. Doctors may also need a biopsy or tissue from surgery to identify the tumour and guide treatment. The plan considers symptoms, age, general health, and whether the tumour can be reached safely.

Surgery may remove all or part of a tumour, relieve pressure, or obtain tissue. Radiotherapy uses radiation to control remaining or unsuitable tumour tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery focuses radiation on a small target without a traditional surgical incision. Chemotherapy or another medicine may be used for tumour types that respond to systemic treatment. Some slow-growing tumours are monitored with repeat scans.

Bring a list of medicines, previous scans, and changes in symptoms to your appointment. Ask whether the goal is removal, control, symptom relief, or observation. Discuss how treatment could affect movement, speech, sight, memory, fatigue, and return to daily activities. If surgery is planned, ask about recovery support and warning signs after discharge. Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed, especially steroids or anti-seizure treatment.

Get urgent help for a first seizure, sudden weakness, new speech or vision difficulty, loss of consciousness, severe confusion, repeated vomiting, or a sudden severe headache. Contact the treating team promptly for a worsening headache, increasing drowsiness, or new difficulty walking.

What type and grade of tumour do I have? Do I need an MRI scan, biopsy, or further tests? What is the aim of each proposed treatment? Which side effects need immediate attention? How will follow-up scans show whether the plan is working?