Radiotherapy for brain cancer: what to know

The oncology team uses brain imaging and a planning system to define the treatment area. Radiation may be delivered to a focused area, a wider region, or several areas depending on the tumour, its location, previous treatment and the treatment goal. A fitted mask can help keep your head still during each session. Treatment may follow surgery, be combined with medicines, or be used to control symptoms.

Possible effects include tiredness, headache, nausea, scalp irritation or hair loss in the treated area. Swelling around the tumour can sometimes worsen symptoms temporarily, so your team may prescribe medicines to reduce it. Effects vary with the treated region and dose, and some changes can appear after treatment has finished.

Tell the team about seizures, headaches, vision changes, medicines, pregnancy possibility and any difficulty lying flat. Bring a current medicine list and follow instructions about steroids or anti-seizure medicines; do not stop them without advice. Plan rest between appointments, use gentle scalp care, and ask before driving if you have seizures, drowsiness or vision problems. Brain tumour type and location guide whether surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for a new seizure, a seizure lasting longer than usual, sudden weakness or numbness, new trouble speaking, severe or rapidly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting or marked drowsiness. Contact the treatment team promptly for fever, an inflamed treatment area, or symptoms that are gradually worsening. Do not wait for the next routine appointment when neurological changes are sudden.

Which brain area will be treated, and why is this approach suitable? Could swelling affect my symptoms? What should I do if I have a seizure or severe headache? How might treatment affect concentration, movement, vision or work? When will follow-up imaging be arranged?