Radiation therapy in brain tumor

Treatment may follow surgery, be used when surgery is not suitable, or be combined with medicines. The team uses scans and information about the tumour type to choose a focused treatment or a wider treatment field. A frame or mask may help keep your head still. Some people attend for one treatment, while others have a course over several visits.

Tiredness, headache, nausea, scalp irritation and hair loss in the treated area are possible. Swelling can temporarily worsen symptoms, so your team may prescribe medicine and give clear instructions about taking it. Effects depend on the treated area and the dose plan.

Give the team a full medicine list and mention seizures, previous brain surgery, implanted devices, pregnancy possibility and difficulties with memory, speech, walking or vision. Ask whether you can drive, work or exercise during treatment. Keep a record of new symptoms and attend imaging follow-up, which helps clinicians judge the response and plan further care.

Get emergency help for a first seizure, a seizure that does not stop, sudden weakness, new trouble speaking, severe confusion, loss of consciousness or a sudden severe headache. Contact your treatment team quickly for repeated vomiting, worsening balance, a new vision change or a headache that is not relieved by the agreed medicine.

Ask what the radiation is intended to do, why the selected technique fits the tumour, whether surgery or medicines are also needed, how swelling will be managed, how treatment may affect thinking or movement, and when repeat scans are planned.