Treatment depends on tumor size, type, growth rate, brain location, and your general health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted biological agents, or a combination thereof. Surgery (if safe) is generally the first treatment recommendation. This will rapidly reduce pressure in the brain.
Full Answer
Can radiation therapy to the brain cause neurological symptoms?
Radiation therapy to the brain may cause brain swelling. If you had neurological symptoms before you began radiation therapy, they could return, or you could have new symptoms. These symptoms may include:
What are the oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy?
Sroussi HY, Epstein JB, Bensadoun RJ, et al. Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis. Cancer Med. 2017;6:2918–31.
What is radiotherapy for brain tumors?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy can come from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation), or, in very rare cases, radiation can be placed inside your body close to your brain tumor (brachytherapy).
How does radiation affect the sensorineural hearing?
High doses of radiation can cause sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the vestibular apparatus. This condition is not reversible.
How do you treat otalgia?
Home Care to Relieve Ear PainA cool or warm compress. Soak a washcloth in either cool or warm water, wring it out, and then put it over the ear that's bothering you. ... A heating pad: Lay your painful ear on a warm, not hot, heating pad.Over-the-counter ear drops with pain relievers.
How can you reduce the side effects of radiation?
Radiation therapy side effects: 5 tips to copeGet enough sleep during radiation therapy. ... Treat skin exposed to radiation with TLC. ... Maintain a well-balanced diet. ... Commit to physical activity. ... Get the support you need.
Can radiation cause ear pain?
Radiation therapy can also cause middle and outer ear problems. These may include inflammation, earwax blocking the ear, fluid building up, and stiff ear bones. All these can affect your hearing. You might have this hearing loss in 1 ear or both.
How is primary otalgia treated?
Infections cause most primary otalgia and are treated with antibiotics, while mechanical receive treatment with decongestants, nasal steroids, or myringotomy. Secondary causes include a wide variety of diagnoses.
What helps pain after radiation therapy?
Because pain can be worse when you are afraid or worried, it may help to try relaxation exercises. Other methods such as hypnosis, biofeedback and acupuncture may be helpful too.
How long do side effects of brain radiation last?
You may develop fatigue after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, and it can range from mild to severe. Fatigue may last 6 weeks to 12 months after your treatment ends. There are a lot of reasons why you may develop fatigue during treatment, including: The effects of radiation on your body.
Is hearing loss from radiation permanent?
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Radiation induced SNHL is a dose-dependent, progressive, permanent, and late effect. Patients undergoing head and neck RT can develop SNHL, most often as a result of cochlear injury.
Can radiation to the head cause hearing loss?
High doses of radiation can cause more permanent hearing problems and hearing loss. These problems may develop if radiation changes the little bones inside the middle ear or causes problems with the Eustachian tube.
What are the long term side effects of head and neck radiation?
Long term and late effects. ... A dry mouth and changes to your saliva. ... Changes to the way you eat and drink. ... Effects on speech and voice. ... Stiffness or pain in the jaw. ... Effects on hearing. ... Effects on the neck and shoulders. ... Changes in how you look.More items...
Which nerve is responsible for otalgia?
Cranial nerve V is the most frequent pathway for referred otalgia via the auriculotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve.
What is the most common cause of otalgia?
Otalgia (ear pain) is a common presentation in the primary care setting with many diverse causes. Pain that originates from the ear is called primary otalgia, and the most common causes are otitis media and otitis externa. Examination of the ear usually reveals abnormal findings in patients with primary otalgia.
What are the symptoms of otalgia?
The most common of these signs and symptoms are ear fullness sensation, tinnitus, ear pain and vertigo with nystagmus.
What is the best treatment for metastatic brain tumors?
There are two main types of radiation therapy used at the Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center to treat metastatic brain tumors: 1 Whole-brain radiation therapy targets the entire brain, treating even microscopic tumors that can’t be seen on an MRI scan. Common side effects include fatigue, hair loss and memory problems. 2 Stereotactic radiosurgery is a more focused therapy that aims a very high dose of radiation at only the tumor itself. Sometimes, it can be completed in a single day. The more focused dose minimizes radiation exposure to the rest of the brain. That also means the potential for fewer side effects.
What are the side effects of stereotactic radiosurgery?
Common side effects include fatigue, hair loss and memory problems. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a more focused therapy that aims a very high dose of radiation at only the tumor itself. Sometimes, it can be completed in a single day. The more focused dose minimizes radiation exposure to the rest of the brain.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Common side effects include fatigue, hair loss and memory problems.
Where is proton therapy used?
Proton therapy is used to treat certain tumors in children and adults. Our treatment center, located at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D .C., combines advanced proton therapy technology, the latest research and caring specialists.
Does radiation kill brain tumors?
Here’s what he wants you to know about radiation therapy for brain metastases: 1. Radiation kills cancer. There’s a reason radiation therapy is one of the main ways doctors treat metastatic brain tumors today — it works. Radiation therapy is effective in destroying cancer cells.
Do you need follow up appointments for radiation?
With either type of radiation therapy, you will probably need follow-up appointments. This is the best way to detect any new disease early so it can be treated effectively right away. 3. Decide if radiation therapy is right for you.
Is radiation therapy effective?
Radiation therapy is effective in destroying cancer cells. Lim says radiation therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery in several studies, and it could even reduce your chances of a tumor recurrence (the tumor coming back). As radiation therapies become more advanced, people who undergo treatments for brain metastases are living longer ...
How to make decisions about brain tumors?
Learn enough about brain tumors to make decisions about your care. Ask your doctor about your specific type of brain tumor, including your treatment options and, if you like, your prognosis. As you learn more about brain tumors, you may become more confident in making treatment decisions. Keep friends and family close.
How to diagnose brain tumor?
Imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to help diagnose brain tumors. Sometimes a dye is injected through a vein in your arm during your MRI study.
Why is brain tumor rehabilitation important?
Because brain tumors can develop in parts of the brain that control motor skills, speech, vision and thinking, rehabilitation may be a necessary part of recovery. Depending on your needs, your doctor may refer you to:
What is the best way to kill brain tumors?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy can come from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation), or, very rarely, radiation can be placed inside your body close to your brain tumor (brachytherapy).
What is the purpose of external beam radiation?
External beam radiation can focus just on the area of your brain where the tumor is located, or it can be applied to your entire brain (whole-brain radiation). Whole-brain radiation is most often used to treat cancer that spreads to the brain from some other part of the body and forms multiple tumors in the brain.
Why is proton beam therapy important?
It may be helpful for treating brain tumors in children and tumors that are very close to sensitive areas of the brain. Proton beam therapy isn't as widely available as traditional X-ray radiation therapy.
What kind of doctor treats brain tumors?
If you're diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may be referred to specialists, such as: Doctors who specialize in brain disorders (neurologists) Doctors who treat cancer (oncologists) Doctors who use radiation to treat cancer (radiation oncologists) Doctors who specialize in nervous system cancers (neuro-oncologists)
How do steroids help with brain tumors?
Steroids reduce brain swelling from the tumor itself or from the effects of radiation therapy . Take steroids only as directed by your doctor. You dose may be changed as needed during your treatment. When your doctor decides it’s safe, you’ll be given a schedule to gradually reduce the dose of the medication.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to treat cancer. It works by damaging the cancer cells and making it hard for them to reproduce. Your body then is naturally able to get rid of these damaged cancer cells. Radiation therapy also affects normal cells.
What is the phone number to call for radiation therapy?
After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask for the radiation oncologist on call. If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your radiation therapy team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
How long does radiation treatment last?
Radiation treatments may be given Monday through Friday. For some people, the treatment is given in just one day. For other people, the treatment is given over a number of weeks. Your schedule is based on what your doctor recommends.
How to quit smoking after radiation?
Telling your doctor or nurse if you’re in pain. Caring for yourself at home: Quitting smoking, if you smoke. If you want to quit, call our Tobacco Treatment Program at 212-610-0507. Following your radiation therapy team’s instructions to care of your skin.
What happens to your hair during radiation?
During radiation therapy, your skin and hair in the area being treated may change. This may include your forehead, ears, and back of your neck. This is normal. Ask your nurse to point out the areas of your skin and scalp that will be affected.
Can radiation cause brain swelling?
Radiation therapy to the brain may cause brain swelling. If you had neurological symptoms before you began radiation therapy, they could return, or you could have new symptoms. These symptoms may include:
What are the side effects of radiosurgery?
Side effects of radiosurgery are usually related to sending high doses of radiation to particular areas of the skull. For instance, if you are treated for an acoustic neuroma (a tumor involving the nerve that controls hearing), you might lose some hearing. Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia can lead to tingling or numbness of the face.
How long does it take for fatigue to go away after radiation?
Talk with your radiation oncologist and health care team about what you can expect from your specific treatment. Fatigue is very common with radiation treatment and tends to begin a few weeks into therapy. Fatigue typically resolves slowly over the weeks and months following treatment.
How often do radiation oncologists see patients?
Most side effects are temporary, disappearing bit by bit after therapy is complete. Most radiation oncologists see their patients at least once a week while the patient is receiving treatment. This visit with the healthcare team is an opportunity to ask questions, talk about any side effects, and to make a plan to manage side effects. ...
What to do after cancer treatment?
After treatment, talk with your oncology team about receiving a survivorship care plan, which can help you manage the transition to survivorship and learn about life after cancer.
How does radiation affect cancer?
The radiation used to destroy cancer cells can also hurt normal cells in the area that is radiated . Side effects from radiation treatment can vary, depending on the area of the body being treated. Side effects are caused by the cumulative effect of radiation on the cells. This means they develop over time and most patients do not experience any side effects until a few weeks into their treatment. Side effects may be unpleasant, but there are treatments to help deal with them. Most side effects are temporary, disappearing bit by bit after therapy is complete.
Can trigeminal neuralgia cause numbness?
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia can lead to tingling or numbness of the face. Talk to your care team about potential side effects; they will be able to tell you what you might expect in your case.
Can radiation therapy cause memory loss?
Avoid sun exposure, which can worsen the irritation. Some short-term memory loss and difficulty thinking can occur if you are treated with whole-brain radiation therapy. Brain tissue swelling can develop during treatment. You may get a headache or feel pressure in your head if this occurs.
What is the treatment for brain cancer?
Radiation therapy for brain cancer. Also known as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells in the area being treated. Treatment is carefully planned to do as little harm as possible to the healthy body tissue near the cancer, though you may experience side effects afterwards.
How is radiation therapy given?
How radiation therapy is given. Radiation therapy is typically given after surgery and possibly along with chemotherapy. Before you start radiation therapy, a radiation therapist will take measurements of your body and do a CT or MRI scan to work out the precise area to be treated. If you are having radiation therapy for a brain tumour, ...
What is stereotactic radiotherapy?
A stereotactic radiosurgery machine may also be used to deliver a longer course of radiation, particularly for benign brain tumours. This is called stereotactic radiation therapy. The treatment is given as multiple small daily doses.
How often do you get radiation treatment?
How often you have radiation therapy will depend on the size and type of tumour, but usually it is given once a day, from Monday to Friday, for several weeks. During treatment, you will lie on a table under a machine called a linear accelerator. Each daily treatment will last for about 10–15 minutes.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
These are called late effects and can include symptoms such as poor memory, confusion and headaches. The problems that might develop depend on the part of the brain that was treated.
What to wear during radiation therapy?
Wearing a face mask . You’ll need to wear a plastic face mask during radiation therapy to the brain. This is known as an immobilisation mask. It will help keep your head still and make sure the radiation is directed to the same area during each session. It’s made especially for you and fixed to the table.
What happens if you have too much radiation?
This can affect body temperature, growth, sleep, weight and appetite.
Fatigue and mood changes
Fatigue and mood changes are among the most common side effects of radiation therapy.
Nausea and vomiting
About 50 to 80 percent of people undergoing traditional radiation therapy develop nausea and vomiting during or after treatment. Nausea may come in waves and may appear before vomiting.
Skin changes
Approximately 85 percent of people undergoing modern radiation therapy experience moderate to severe skin reactions around the treatment area. Some people develop dry and peeling patches of skin, while others develop skin that looks sunburned, puffy, red, or swollen.
Headaches
Radiation therapy can cause swelling of the brain that causes headaches. Headaches are a less common side effect than fatigue or irritability but can affect your quality of life. There are several medications that can help the pain from these headaches. Your doctor may also recommend steroids to address headaches.
Vision changes
Some people develop blurry vision or other vision changes because of damage to cells in the eyes or optic nerve. Vision changes due to damage to the optic nerve is a rare side effect but can seriously impact your vision. It’s important to immediately report any visual changes to your doctor.
Radiation necrosis
Radiation necrosis is a rare side effect where a lump of dead tissue forms at the tumor site months or years after the initial treatment. It can often be managed with corticosteroids, but in some cases, you may need surgery.
Increased risk of another brain tumor
Radiation can damage the DNA of your healthy cells, increasing your chances of developing cancer in your brain, surrounding tissue, or skull. The risk is small, and when it happens, tumors usually occur years after radiation.
What is the treatment for head and neck cancer?
There has also been a recent increase in human papilloma virus-related oropharyngeal cancers. External beam radiation therapy (RT) is commonly used as an effective therapy for head and neck (H&N) cancers. This is used as a definitive treatment (alone or in combination with chemotherapy) or as an adjuvant treatment after surgical resection of the tumors. Because of the complex anatomy of the H&N region, several critical structures in and around the area receive radiation treatment. This includes the neural structures (brainstem, spinal cord, and brachial plexus), salivary glands, mucosa, major blood vessels, and swallowing musculature. Careful RT planning is necessary to avoid or mitigate the side effects of treatment. This review discusses some of the major acute and late side effects of RT for H&N cancers and provides evidence-based guidelines for their management. Patient-reported outcomes and quality-of-life implications are also discussed.
What is RT in cancer?
External beam radiation therapy (RT) is commonly used as an effective therapy for head and neck (H&N) cancers. This is used as a definitive treatment (alone or in combination with chemotherapy) or as an adjuvant treatment after surgical resection of the tumors.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatment for a brain tumor depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, as well as your overall health and your preferences.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Alternative Medicine
- Little research has been done on complementary and alternative brain tumor treatments. No alternative treatments have been proved to cure brain tumors. However, complementary treatments may help you cope with the stress of a brain tumor diagnosis. Some complementary treatments that may help you cope include: 1. Acupuncture 2. Art therapy 3. Exercis...
Coping and Support
- A diagnosis of a brain tumor can be overwhelming and frightening. It can make you feel like you have little control over your health. But you can take steps to cope with the shock and grief that may come after your diagnosis. Consider trying to: 1. Learn enough about brain tumors to make decisions about your care.Ask your doctor about your specific type of brain tumor, including you…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you're diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may be referred to specialists, such as: 1. Doctors who specialize in brain disorders (neurologists) 2. Doctors who treat cancer (oncologists) 3. Doctors who use radiation to treat cancer (radiation oncologists) 4. Doctors who specialize in nervous sy…