Comprehensive Brain Tumor Treatment at Advanced Oncology Clinics
Recognizing Symptoms & Signs of Brain Tumors
Headaches:
Seizures:
Cognitive Changes:
Nausea and Vomiting:
Vision or Hearing Problems:
Balance and Coordination Issues:
Diagnosis & Staging of Brain Tumors
Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan for brain tumors. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, our diagnostic approach includes:
Neurological Exam:
A comprehensive evaluation of the nervous system, including testing reflexes, muscle strength, eye movement, and coordination to assess brain function.
Imaging Tests:
MRI, CT scans, and PET scans are used to visualize the brain and detect the presence, size, and location of tumors.
Biopsy:
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap):
Genetic and Molecular Testing:
Tests to analyze the genetic and molecular characteristics of the tumor, which can guide treatment decisions.
Types & Sub-Types of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can be classified into different types, each requiring specific treatment approaches:
Gliomas:
Meningiomas:
Pituitary Tumors:
Tumors that develop in the pituitary gland, which controls hormones in the body. These tumors are often benign but can affect hormone production.
Medulloblastomas:
A type of cancerous brain tumor that primarily affects children and occurs in the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination.
Schwannomas:
Tumors that develop from Schwann cells, which protect the nerves. They are often benign and commonly affect the nerves responsible for hearing and balance.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Brain Tumors
Treatment for brain tumors varies based on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we offer a range of treatment options:
Surgery:
Radiation Therapy:
High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Stereotactic radiosurgery, which delivers precise doses of radiation, is often used for brain tumors.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells, particularly in cases of malignant or aggressive brain tumors. It may be administered orally or intravenously.
Targeted Therapy:
Drugs that specifically target the genetic mutations within cancer cells, helping to stop their growth. This is particularly effective in certain subtypes of brain tumors.
Immunotherapy:
A treatment that helps boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer, particularly in cases of recurrent or metastatic brain tumors.
Proton Therapy:
A type of radiation therapy that uses protons rather than X-rays to treat certain types of brain tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Managing Treatment Side Effects & Coping with Brain Tumors
Managing the side effects of brain tumor treatment is crucial for maintaining quality of life. We provide comprehensive support to help patients navigate their treatment journey:
Nutritional Support:
Pain Management:
A combination of medications and alternative therapies to manage pain effectively and enhance comfort during treatment.
Physical and Occupational Therapy:
Rehabilitation programs designed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence, particularly after surgery or other treatments that affect motor function.
Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Therapy to help patients cope with and manage cognitive changes or deficits resulting from the tumor or its treatment.
Psychological Support:
Counseling and mental health services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Post-Treatment Care & Long-Term Monitoring
Regular Check-Ups:
Imaging Tests:
Blood Tests:
Regular tests to check for markers that may indicate a recurrence or the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
Long-Term Support:
Continuous access to our medical team for any ongoing care needs, including management of chronic side effects and support for overall health.
Surveillance & Monitoring for Signs & Symptoms of Recurrence
Vigilant monitoring for recurrence is a key aspect of post-treatment care for brain tumor patients. Our surveillance program includes:
Scheduled Surveillance Appointments:
Patient Education:
Providing patients with the knowledge to recognize symptoms that may indicate a recurrence of a brain tumor.
Physical and Occupational Therapy:
Rehabilitation programs designed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence, particularly after surgery or other treatments that affect motor function.
Access to Continuous Care:
Ensuring patients have ongoing access to our medical team for any concerns or symptoms that arise between scheduled visits.
Psychological Support:
Counseling and mental health services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of a brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Brain Tumors:
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the central spinal canal. Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Learn more about brain tumors.
Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, vision or hearing problems, balance issues, and nausea or vomiting. Explore brain tumor symptoms.
Diagnosis involves neurological exams, imaging tests (MRI, CT, PET scans), biopsy, and sometimes lumbar puncture or genetic testing. Learn about brain tumor diagnosis.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and proton therapy. Explore brain tumor treatment options.
The prognosis depends on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as its location. Some brain tumors can be cured, while others can be managed with treatment. Understand brain tumor prognosis.
The most common types of brain tumors are gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumors, medulloblastomas, schwannomas, and others. Learn about brain tumor types.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled regularly, depending on the type and stage of tumor and the treatment received. Explore follow-up care.
We offer comprehensive support services, including nutritional support, pain management, physical and occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. Discover support options.
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening the skull to remove a brain tumor. Learn about craniotomy.
You can schedule an appointment online or call us directly. Our team will assist you in setting up your consultation.