Keeping on Top of Your Condition
The Brain
Together, the brain and spinal cord form the central
nervous system. This complex system is part of everything we do.
It controls the things we choose to do -- like walk and talk -- and the
things our body does automatically -- like breathe and digest food. The
central nervous system is also involved with our senses -- seeing,
hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling -- as well as our emotions,
thoughts, and memory.
The brain is a soft, spongy mass of nerve cells and supportive tissue.
It has three major parts: the cerebrum,
the cerebellum,
and the brain
stem. The parts work together, but each has special functions.
The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, fills most of the upper
skull. It has two halves called the left and right cerebral
hemispheres. The cerebrum uses information from our senses to tell
us what is going on around us and tells our body how to respond. The right
hemisphere controls the muscles on the left side of the body, and the left
hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body. This part
of the brain also controls speech and emotions as well as reading,
thinking, and learning.
The cerebellum, under the cerebrum at the back of the brain, controls
balance and complex actions like walking and talking.
The brain stem connects the brain with the spinal cord. It controls
hunger and thirst and some of the most basic body functions, such as body
temperature, blood pressure, and breathing.
The brain is protected by the bones of the skull and by a covering of
three thin membranes
called meninges.
The brain is also cushioned and protected by cerebrospinal
fluid. This watery fluid is produced by special cells in the four
hollow spaces in the brain, called ventricles.
It flows through the ventricles and in spaces between the meninges.
Cerebrospinal fluid also brings nutrients from the blood to the brain and
removes waste products from the brain.
The spinal cord is made up of bundles of nerve fibers. It runs down
from the brain through a canal in the center of the bones of the spine.
These bones protect the spinal cord. Like the brain, the spinal cord is
covered by the meninges and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid.
Spinal nerves connect the brain with the nerves in most parts of the
body. Other nerves go directly from the brain to the eyes, ears, and other
parts of the head. This network of nerves carries messages back and forth
between the brain and the rest of the body.
About Brain Tumors
The body is made up of many types of cells. Each type of cell has
special functions. Most cells in the body grow and then divide in an
orderly way to form new cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy
and working properly. When cells lose the ability to control their growth,
they divide too often and without any order. The extra cells form a mass
of tissue called a tumor.
Tumors are benign
or malignant.
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Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells. Usually these
tumors can be removed, and they are not likely to recur.
Benign brain tumors have clear borders. Although they do not invade
nearby tissue, they can press on sensitive areas of the brain and cause
symptoms.
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Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells. They interfere
with vital
functions and are life threatening. Malignant brain tumors are likely to
grow rapidly and crowd or invade the tissue around them. Like a plant,
these tumors may put out "roots" that grow into healthy brain tissue. If
a malignant tumor remains compact and does not have roots, it is said to
be encapsulated.
When an otherwise benign tumor is located in a vital area of the brain
and interferes with vital functions, it may be considered malignant
(even though it contains no cancer cells).
Doctors refer to some brain tumors by grade -- from low grade (grade I)
to high grade (grade IV). The grade of a tumor refers to the way the cells
look under a microscope. Cells from higher grade tumors are more abnormal
looking and generally grow faster than cells from lower grade tumors;
higher grade tumors are more malignant than lower grade tumors.
Possible Causes of Brain Cancer
The causes of brain tumors are not known. Researchers are trying to
solve this problem. The more they can find out about the causes of brain
tumors, the better the chances of finding ways to prevent them. Doctors
cannot explain why one person gets a brain tumor and another doesn't, but
they do know that no one can "catch" a brain tumor from another person.
Brain tumors are not contagious.
Although brain tumors can occur at any age, studies show that they are
most common in two age groups. The first group is children 3 to 12 years
old; the second is adults 40 to 70 years old.
By studying large numbers of patients, researchers have found certain
risk
factors that increase a person's chance of developing a brain
tumor. People with these risk factors have a higher-than-average risk of
getting a brain tumor. For example, studies show that some types of brain
tumors are more frequent among workers in certain industries, such as oil
refining, rubber manufacturing, and drug manufacturing. Other studies have
shown that chemists and embalmers have a higher incidence of brain tumors.
Researchers also are looking at exposure to viruses as a possible cause.
Because brain tumors sometimes occur in several members of the same
family, researchers are studying families with a history of brain tumors
to see whether heredity is a cause. At this time, scientists do not
believe that head injuries cause brain tumors to develop.
In most cases, patients with a brain tumor have no clear risk factors.
The disease is probably the result of several factors acting together.
Primary Brain Tumors
Tumors that begin in brain tissue are known as primary brain tumors.
(Secondary tumors that develop when cancer spreads to the brain are
discussed in the Secondary Brain Tumors section.) Primary brain tumors are
classified by the type of tissue in which they begin. The most common
brain tumors are gliomas,
which begin in the glial (supportive) tissue. There are several types of
gliomas:
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Astrocytomas
arise from small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes. They may grow
anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. In adults, astrocytomas most often
arise in the cerebrum. In children, they occur in the brain stem, the
cerebrum, and the cerebellum. A grade III astrocytoma is sometimes
called anaplastic
astrocytoma. A grade IV astrocytoma is usually called glioblastoma
multiforme.
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Brain
stem gliomas occur in the lowest, stemlike part of the
brain. The brain stem controls many vital functions. Tumors in this area
generally cannot be removed. Most brain stem gliomas are high-grade
astrocytomas.
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Ependymomas
usually develop in the lining of the ventricles. They may also occur in
the spinal cord. Although these tumors can develop at any age, they are
most common in childhood and adolescence.
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Oligodendrogliomas
arise in the cells that produce myelin,
the fatty covering that protects nerves. These tumors usually arise in
the cerebrum. They grow slowly and usually do not spread into
surrounding brain tissue. Oligodendrogliomas are rare. They occur most
often in middle-aged adults but have been found in people of all
ages.
There are other types of brain tumors that do not begin in glial
tissue. Some of the most common are described below:
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Medulloblastomas
were once thought to develop from glial cells. However, recent research
suggests that these tumors develop from primitive (developing) nerve
cells that normally do not remain in the body after birth. For this
reason, medulloblastomas are sometimes called primitive
neuroectodermal tumors (PNET). Most medulloblastomas arise in
the cerebellum; however, they may occur in other areas as well. These
tumors occur most often in children and are more common in boys than in
girls.
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Meningiomas
grow from the meninges. They are usually benign. Because these tumors
grow very slowly, the brain may be able to adjust to their presence;
meningiomas often grow quite large before they cause symptoms. They
occur most often in women between 30 and 50 years of age.
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Schwannomas
are benign tumors that begin in Schwann cells, which produce the myelin
that protects the acoustic
nerve -- the nerve of hearing. Acoustic neuromas
are a type of schwannoma. They occur mainly in adults. These tumors
affect women twice as often as men.
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Craniopharyngiomas
develop in the region of the pituitary
gland near the hypothalamus.
They are usually benign; however, they are sometimes considered
malignant because they can press on or damage the hypothalamus and
affect vital functions. These tumors occur most often in children and
adolescents.
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Germ
cell tumors arise from primitive (developing) sex cells, or
germ cells. The most frequent type of germ cell tumor in the brain is
the germinoma.
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Pineal
region tumors occur in or around the pineal
gland, a tiny organ near the center of the brain. The tumor can
be slow growing pineocytoma)
or fast growing (pineoblastoma).
The pineal region is very difficult to reach, and these tumors often
cannot be removed.
Secondary Brain Tumors
Metastasis
is the spread of cancer. Cancer that begins in other parts of the body may
spread to the brain and cause secondary tumors. These tumors are not the
same as primary brain tumors. Cancer that spreads to the brain is the same
disease and has the same name as the original (primary) cancer. For
example, if lung cancer spreads to the brain, the disease is called
metastatic lung cancer because the cells in the secondary tumor resemble
abnormal lung cells, not abnormal brain cells.
Treatment for secondary brain tumors depends on where the cancer
started and the extent of the spread as well as other factors, including
the patient's age, general health, and response to previous treatment.
Brain Cancer Symptoms
Brain cancer symptoms depend mainly on tumor size and their
location in the brain. Symptoms of brain cancer are caused by damage to vital tissue and
by pressure on the brain as the tumor grows within the limited space in
the skull. They also may be caused by swelling and a buildup of fluid
around the tumor, a condition called edema.
Brain cancer symptoms may also be due to hydrocephalus,
which occurs when the tumor blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and
causes it to build up in the ventricles. If a brain tumor grows very
slowly, its symptoms may appear so gradually that they are overlooked for
a long time.
The most frequent brain cancer symptoms include:
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Headaches that tend to be worse in the morning and ease during the
day,
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Seizures
(convulsions),
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Nausea or vomiting,
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Weakness or loss of feeling in the arms or legs,
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Stumbling or lack of coordination in walking (ataxic
gait),
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Abnormal eye movements or changes in vision,
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Drowsiness,
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Changes in personality or memory, and
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Changes in speech.
These symptoms may be caused by brain tumors or by other problems. Only
a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
To find the cause of a person's symptoms, the doctor asks about the
patient's personal and family medical history and performs a complete
physical examination. In addition to checking general signs of health, the
doctor does a neurologic exam. This includes checks for alertness, muscle
strength, coordination, reflexes, and response to pain. The doctor also
examines the eyes to look for swelling caused by a tumor pressing on the
nerve that connects the eye and the brain.
Depending on the results of the physical and neurologic examinations,
the doctor may request one or both of the following:
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A CT
(or CAT) scan is a series of detailed pictures of the brain. The
pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray
machine. In some cases, a special dye is injected into a vein before the
scan. The dye helps to show differences in the tissues of the brain.
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MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging) gives pictures of the brain, using a
powerful magnet linked to a computer. MRI is especially useful in
diagnosing brain tumors because it can "see" through the bones of the
skull to the tissue underneath. A special dye may be used to enhance the
likelihood of detecting brain cancer.
The doctor may also request other tests such as:
-
A skull x-ray can show changes in the bones of the skull caused by a
tumor. It can also show calcium deposits, which are present in some
types of brain tumors.
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A brain scan reveals areas of abnormal growth in the brain and
records them on special film. A small amount of a radioactive material
is injected into a vein. This dye is absorbed by the tumor, and the
growth shows up on the film. (The radiation leaves the body within 6
hours and is not dangerous.)
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An angiogram,
or arteriogram, is a series of x-rays taken after a special dye is
injected into an artery (usually in the area where the abdomen joins the
top of the leg). The dye, which flows through the blood vessels of the
brain, can be seen on the x-rays. These x-rays can show the tumor and
blood vessels that lead to it.
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A myelogram
is an x-ray of the spine. A special dye is injected into the
cerebrospinal fluid in the spine, and the patient is tilted to allow the
dye to mix with the fluid. This test may be done when the doctor
suspects a tumor in the spinal cord.
Treatment
Treatment for a brain tumor depends on a number of factors. Among these
are the type, location, and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's
age and general health. Treatment methods and schedules often vary for
children and adults. The doctor develops a treatment plan to fit each
patient's needs.
The patient's doctor may want to discuss the case with other doctors
who treat brain tumors. Also, the patient may want to talk with the doctor
about taking part in a research study of new treatment methods. Such
studies, called clinical
trials, are discussed in the Clinical Trials section.
Many patients want to learn all they can about their disease and their
treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their
medical care. A person with a brain tumor will have many questions, and
the doctor is the best person to answer them. Most patients want to know
what kind of tumor they have, how it can be treated, how effective the
treatment is likely to be, and how much it's likely to cost.
Here are some important questions to ask the doctor:
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What type of treatment will I receive?
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What are the expected benefits of treatment?
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What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?
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What can be done about side effects?
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Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
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Will I need to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
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How often will I need to have checkups?
Many people find it helpful to make a list of their questions before
they see the doctor. Taking notes can make it easier to remember what the
doctor says. Some patients find that it also helps to have a family member
or friend with them when they talk with the doctor -- either to take part
in the discussion or just to listen.
Patients and their families have a lot to learn about brain tumors and
their treatment. They should not feel that they need to understand
everything the first time they hear it. They will have other chances to
ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear.
Planning Treatment
Decisions about treatment for brain tumors are complex. Before starting
treatment, the patient might want a second doctor to review the diagnosis
and treatment plan. There are several ways to find a doctor to
consult:
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The patient's doctor may be able to suggest a doctor who specializes
in treating brain tumors.
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The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers
about cancer centers and other NCI-supported programs in their area.
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Patients can get the names of specialists from their local medical
society, a nearby hospital or cancer center, or a medical
school.
Treatment Methods
Brain tumors are treated with surgery,
radiation
therapy, and chemotherapy.
Depending on the patient's needs, several methods may be used. The patient
may be referred to doctors who specialize in different kinds of treatment
and work together as a team. This medical team often includes a neurosurgeon,
a medical
oncologist, a radiation
oncologist, a nurse, a dietitian, and a social worker. The patient
may also work with a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a
speech therapist.
Before treatment begins, most patients are given steroids,
which are drugs that relieve swelling (edema). They may also be given
anticonvulsant
medicine to prevent or control seizures. If hydrocephalus is present, the
patient may need a shunt
to drain the cerebrospinal fluid. A shunt is a long, thin tube placed in a
ventricle of the brain and then threaded under the skin to another part of
the body, usually the abdomen. It works like a drainpipe: Excess fluid is
carried away from the brain and is absorbed in the abdomen. (In some
cases, the fluid is drained into the heart.)
Surgery is the usual treatment for most brain tumors. To remove
a brain tumor, a neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull. This
operation is called a craniotomy.
Whenever possible, the surgeon attempts to remove the entire tumor.
However, if the tumor cannot be completely removed without damaging vital
brain tissue, the doctor removes as much of the tumor as possible. Partial
removal helps to relieve symptoms by reducing pressure on the brain and
reduces the amount of tumor to be treated by radiation therapy or
chemotherapy.
Some tumors cannot be removed. In such cases, the doctor may do only a
biopsy.
A small piece of the tumor is removed so that a pathologist
can examine it under a microscope to determine the type of cells it
contains. This helps the doctor decide which treatment to use.
Sometimes, a biopsy is done with a needle. Doctors use a special
headframe (like a halo) and CT scans or MRI to pinpoint the exact location
of the tumor. The surgeon makes a small hole in the skull and then guides
a needle to the tumor. (Using this technique to do a biopsy or for
treatment is called stereotaxis.)
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of
high-powered rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. It is
often used to destroy tumor tissue that cannot be removed with surgery or
to kill cancer cells that may remain after surgery. Radiation therapy is
also used when surgery is not possible.
Radiation therapy may be given in two ways. External radiation comes
from a large machine. Generally, external radiation treatments are given 5
days a week for several weeks. The treatment schedule depends on the type
and size of the tumor and the age of the patient. Giving the total dose of
radiation over an extended period helps to protect healthy tissue in the
area of the tumor.
Radiation can also come from radioactive material placed directly in
the tumor (implant radiation therapy). Depending on the material used, the
implant may be left in the brain for a short time or permanently. Implants
lose a little radioactivity each day. The patient stays in the hospital
for several days while the radiation is most active.
External radiation may be directed just to the tumor and the tissue
close to it or, less often, to the entire brain. (Sometimes the radiation
is also directed to the spinal cord.) When the whole brain is treated, the
patient often receives an extra dose of radiation to the area of the
tumor. This boost can come from external radiation or from an implant.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is another way to treat brain tumors. Doctors
use the techniques described in the Surgery section to pinpoint the exact
location of the tumor. Treatment is given in just one session; high-energy
rays are aimed at the tumor from many angles. In this way, a high dose of
radiation reaches the tumor without damaging other brain tissue. (This use
of radiation therapy is sometimes called the gamma
knife.)
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The
doctor may use just one drug or a combination, usually giving the drugs by
mouth or by injection into a blood vessel or muscle. Intrathecal
chemotherapy involves injecting the drugs into the cerebrospinal
fluid.
Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a treatment period followed by
a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Patients
often do not need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Most drugs can be
given in the doctor's office or the outpatient clinic of a hospital.
However, depending on the drugs used, the way they are given, and the
patient's general health, a short hospital stay may be necessary.
Clinical Trials
Researchers are looking for treatment methods that are more effective
against brain tumors and have fewer side effects. When laboratory research
shows that a new method has promise, doctors use it to treat cancer
patients in clinical
trials 3. These trials are designed to
answer scientific questions and to find out whether the new approach is
both safe and effective. Patients who take part in clinical trials make an
important contribution to medical science and may have the first chance to
benefit from improved treatment methods.
Many clinical trials of new treatments for brain tumors are under way.
Doctors are studying new types and schedules of radiation therapy, new
anticancer drugs, new drug combinations, and combinations of chemotherapy
and radiation.
Scientists are trying to increase the effectiveness of radiation
therapy by giving treatments twice a day instead of once. Also, they are
studying drugs called radiosensitizers.
These drugs make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. Another
method under study is hyperthermia,
in which the tumor is heated to increase the effect of radiation
therapy.
Many drugs cannot reach brain cells because of the blood-brain barrier,
a network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood going to the
brain. Researchers continue to look for new drugs that will pass through
the blood-brain barrier. Studies are under way using different techniques
to temporarily disrupt the barrier so that drugs can reach the tumor.
In other studies, scientists are exploring new ways to give the drugs.
Drugs may be injected into an artery leading to the brain or may be put
directly into the ventricles. Doctors are also studying the effectiveness
of placing tiny wafers containing anticancer drugs directly into the
tumor. (The wafers dissolve over time.)
Researchers are also testing the use of very high doses of anticancer
drugs. Because these higher doses may damage healthy bone
marrow, doctors combine this treatment with bone
marrow transplantation to replace the marrow that has been
destroyed.
Biological
therapy is a new way of treating brain tumors that is currently
under study. This type of treatment is an attempt to improve the way the
body's immune
system fights disease.
Patients interested in taking part in a clinical trial should discuss
this option with their doctor.
One way to learn about clinical trials is through PDQ, a computerized resource developed
by the National Cancer Institute. This resource contains information about
cancer treatment and about clinical trials in progress all over the
country. The Cancer Information Service can provide PDQ information to
patients and the public.
Side Effects of Treatment
Cancer treatment often causes side effects. These side effects occur
because treatment to destroy cancer cells damages some healthy cells as
well.
The side effects of cancer treatment vary. They depend on the type of
treatment used and on the area being treated. Also, each person reacts
differently. Doctors try to plan the patient's therapy to keep side
effects to a minimum. They also watch patients very carefully so they can
help with any problems that occur.
A craniotomy is a major operation. The surgery may damage normal brain
tissue, and edema may occur. Weakness, coordination problems, personality
changes, and difficulty in speaking and thinking may result. Patients may
also have seizures. In fact, for a short time after surgery, symptoms may
be worse than before. Most of the side effects of surgery lessen or
disappear with time.
Most of the side effects of radiation therapy go away soon after
treatment is over. However, some side effects may occur or persist long
after treatment is complete.
Some patients have nausea for several hours after treatment. Patients
receiving radiation therapy may become very tired as treatment continues.
Resting is important, but doctors usually advise their patients to try to
stay reasonably active. Radiation therapy to the scalp causes most
patients to lose their hair. When it grows back, the new hair is sometimes
softer and may be a slightly different color. In some cases, hair loss is
permanent.
Skin reactions in the treated area are common. The scalp and ears may
be red, itchy, or dark; these areas may look and feel sunburned. The
treated area should be exposed to the air as much as possible but should
be protected from the sun. Patients should not wear anything on the head
that might cause irritation. Good skin care is important at this time. The
doctor may suggest certain kinds of soap or ointment, and patients should
not use any other lotions or creams on the scalp without the
doctor's advice.
Sometimes brain cells killed by radiation form a mass in the brain. The
mass may look like a tumor and may cause similar symptoms, such as
headaches, memory loss, or seizures. Doctors may suggest surgery or
steroids to relieve these problems. About 4 to 8 weeks after radiation
therapy, patients may become quite sleepy or lose their appetite. These
symptoms may last several weeks, but they usually go away on their own.
Still, patients should notify the doctor if they occur.
Children who have had radiation therapy for a brain tumor may have
learning problems or partial loss of eyesight. If the pituitary gland is
damaged, children may not grow or develop normally.
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs that are given. In
general, anticancer drugs affect rapidly growing cells, such as blood
cells that fight infection, cells that line the digestive tract, and cells
in hair
follicles. As a result, patients may have a lower resistance to
infection, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores. Patients
may also have less energy and may lose their hair. These side effects
usually go away gradually after treatment stops.
Some anticancer drugs can cause infertility.
Women taking certain anticancer drugs may have symptoms of menopause
(hot flashes and vaginal dryness; periods may be irregular or stop). Some
drugs used to treat children and teenagers may affect their ability to
have children later in life.
Certain drugs used in the treatment of brain tumors may cause kidney
damage. Patients are given large amounts of fluid while taking these
drugs. Patients may also have tingling in the fingers, ringing in the
ears, or difficulty hearing. These problems may not clear up after
treatment stops.
Treatment with steroids to reduce swelling in the brain may cause
increased appetite and weight gain. Swelling of the face and feet is
common. Steroids can also cause restlessness, mood swings, burning
indigestion, and acne. However, patients should not stop using steroids or
change their dose without consulting the doctor. The use of steroids must
be stopped gradually to allow the body to adjust to the change.
Loss of appetite can be a problem for patients during therapy. People
may not feel hungry when they are uncomfortable or tired. Some of the
common side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting, can
also make it hard to eat. Yet good nutrition is important because patients
who eat well generally feel better and have more energy. Eating well means
getting enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss, regain
strength, and rebuild normal tissues. Many patients find that eating
several small meals and snacks during the day works better than trying to
have three large meals.
Patients being treated for a brain tumor may develop a blood clot and
inflammation in a vein, most often in the leg. This is called thrombophlebitis.
A patient who notices swelling in the leg, leg pain, and/or redness in the
leg should notify the doctor right away.
Doctors, nurses, and dietitians can explain the side effects of cancer
treatment and can suggest ways to deal with them.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a very important part of the treatment plan. The
goals of rehabilitation depend on the patient's needs and how the tumor
has affected his or her daily activities. The medical team makes every
effort to help patients return to their normal activities as soon as
possible.
Patients and their families may need to work with an occupational
therapist to overcome any difficulty in activities of daily living, such
as eating, dressing, bathing, and using the toilet. If an arm or leg is
weak or paralyzed, or if a patient has problems with balance, physical
therapy may be necessary. Speech therapy may be helpful for individuals
having trouble speaking or expressing their thoughts. Speech therapists
also work with patients who are having difficulty swallowing.
If special arrangements are necessary for school-age children, they
should be made as soon as possible. Sometimes, children have tutors in the
hospital or after they go home from the hospital. Children who have
problems learning or remembering what they learn may need tutors or
special classes when they return to school.
Followup Care
Regular followup is very important after treatment for a brain tumor.
The doctor will check closely to make sure that the tumor has not
returned. Checkups usually include general physical and neurologic exams.
From time to time, the patient will have CT scans or MRIs.
Patients who receive radiation therapy to large areas of the brain or
certain anticancer drugs may have an increased risk of developing leukemia
or a second tumor at a later time. Also, radiation that affects the eyes
may lead to the development of cataracts. Patients should carefully follow
their doctor's advice on health care and checkups. If any unusual health
problem occurs, they should report it to the doctor as soon as it
appears.
Living With a Brain Tumor
The diagnosis of a brain tumor can change the lives of patients and the
people who care about them. These changes can be hard to handle. Patients
and their families and friends may have many different and sometimes
confusing emotions.
At times, patients and those close to them may feel frightened, angry,
or depressed. These are normal reactions when people face a serious health
problem. Most patients, including children and teenagers, find it helps to
share their thoughts and feelings with loved ones. Sharing can help
everyone feel more at ease and can open the way for others to show their
concern and offer their support.
Worries about tests, treatments, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and
medical bills are common. Parents may worry about whether their children
will be able to take part in normal school or social activities. Doctors,
nurses, social workers, and other members of the health care team may be
able to calm fears and ease confusion. They can also provide information
and suggest helpful resources.
Patients and their families are naturally concerned about what the
future holds. Sometimes they use statistics to try to figure out whether
the patient will be cured or how long he or she will live. It is important
to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers
of patients. They cannot be used to predict what will happen to a certain
patient because no two cancer patients are alike. The doctor who takes
care of the patient and knows that person's medical history is in the best
position to discuss the patient's outlook (prognosis).
People should feel free to ask the doctor about their prognosis, but it
is important to keep in mind that not even the doctor can tell exactly
what will happen. When doctors talk about recovering from a brain tumor,
they may use the term remission
rather than cure. Even though many people recover completely, doctors use
this term because a brain tumor can recur.
Support for Cancer Patients
Living with a serious disease is not easy. Everyone involved faces many
problems and challenges. Finding the strength to cope with these
difficulties is easier when people have helpful information and support
services.
The doctor can explain the disease and give advice about treatment,
going back to work or school, or other activities. If patients want to
discuss concerns about the future, family relationships, and finances, it
may also help to talk with a nurse, social worker, counselor, or clergy
member.
Friends and relatives who have had personal experience with cancer can
be very supportive. Also, it helps many patients to meet and talk with
other people who are facing problems like theirs. Cancer patients often
get together in self-help and support groups, where they can share what
they have learned about cancer and its treatment and about coping with the
disease. In addition to groups for adults with cancer, special support
groups for children or teens with cancer or for parents whose children
have cancer are available in many cities. It's important to keep in mind,
however, that each patient is different. Treatments and ways of dealing
with cancer that work for one person may not be right for another -- even
if they both have the same kind of cancer. It's always a good idea to
discuss the advice of friends and family members with the doctor.
Often, a social worker at the hospital or clinic can suggest local and
national groups that will help with rehabilitation, emotional support,
financial aid, transportation, or home care.
Keeping on Top of Your Condition
Keeping in tune with your disease or condition not only makes treatment less intimidating but also increases its chance of success, and has been shown to lower a patients risk of complications. As well, as an informed patient, you are better able to discuss your condition and treatment options with your physician.
A new service available to patients provides a convenient means of staying informed, and ensures that the information is both reliable and accurate. If you wish to find out more about HealthNewsflash's innovative service, take the tour.
