The brain is a soft, spongy mass of tissue. It is protected by the skull bones and three thin membranes called the meninges. A water-like fluid called cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain and acts as a buffer. Cerebral fluid is found in the spaces between the meninges and in the spaces called ventricles in the brain.
A neural network carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Some nerves go directly from the brain to the eyes, ears, and other parts of the head. Other nerves go through the spinal cord to connect the brain with other parts of the body. Glial cells in the brain and spinal cord surround nerve cells and hold them in place.
The brain directs the actions we choose to do (like walking and talking) and the actions our bodies do without our thinking (like breathing). Our brain is also responsible for our senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell), memory, emotions, and personality.
The brain has three main parts that control different activities:
Cerebrum – The largest part of the brain. It is the upper part of the brain. It uses information from our senses to let us know what’s going on around us and tells our body how to respond to what’s going on. It controls reading, thinking, learning, speaking and emotions.
The cerebrum consists of two hemispheres that control different activities. The right half controls the muscles on the left side of the body. The left half is responsible for the muscles on the right side of the body.
Cerebellum – Located below the cerebrum, at the back of the brain. It controls balance and complex activities such as walking and speaking.
Brainstem – Connects the brain to the spinal cord. It controls hunger and thirst. Other activities it supervises include breathing, body temperature, blood pressure, and other essential body functions.
Understanding Cancer
Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues also make the organs of the body.
Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells age, they die and are replaced by new cells.
Sometimes this regular process works incorrectly. New cells are formed when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor or tumor.
Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can be benign or malignant.
Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells:
Usually, these tumors can be removed and are less likely to regrow.
The borders or edges of a benign tumor are clearly visible. Benign tumor cells do not invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. However, they can put pressure on certain sensitive areas of the brain and cause serious health problems.
Unlike benign tumors in most other parts of the body, benign brain tumors are sometimes life-threatening.
Very rarely, a benign brain tumor can develop into a malignant tumor.
Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells:
Generally, malignant tumors are more serious and often life-threatening.
They tend to grow and multiply quickly or invade surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Very rarely, cancer cells from a malignant brain tumor can spread to other parts of the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the body.
Sometimes a malignant tumor may not extend into healthy tissue. A layer of tissue may remain in it, or the skull bones or another structure in the head may surround the tumor. This type of tumor is called encapsulated.
Tumor Grades
Doctors sometimes grade tumors as low (grade I) and high (grade IV). The grade of a tumor refers to its appearance under the microscope. High-grade tumor cells are more abnormal-looking and grow faster than low-grade tumors.
Primary Brain Tumors
Tumors that begin in the brain tissue are called primary brain tumors. Primary brain tumors are named according to the shape of their cells or the part of the brain where they begin to form.
The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas. They start in glial cells. There are many types of gliomas:
Astrocytoma – The tumor arises from stellate-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. Astrocytomas occur mostly in the cerebrum in adults. In children, they occur in the brain stem, cerebrum, and cerebellum. III. A grade 1 astrocytoma is sometimes called an anaplastic astrocytoma. IV. If it is a grade 1 astrocytoma, it is usually called glioblastoma multiforme.
Brain stem glioma – Occurs in the lowest part of the brain. Brain stem gliomas are most common in young children and middle-aged adults.
Ependymoma – arises from cells lining the ventricles of the brain or the central canal of the spinal cord. It is most common in children and young adults.
Oligodendroglioma – This rare tumor arises from cells that produce the fatty substance that coats and protects nerves. It usually occurs in the cerebrum. It grows slowly and usually does not spread to the surrounding brain tissue. It is most common in middle-aged adults.
Some brain tumors do not start from glia cells. The most common of these are:
Medulloblastoma – Usually appears in the cerebellum. It is the most common brain tumor in children. It is sometimes called a primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
Meningioma – Occurs in the meninges and usually grows slowly.
Schwannoma – A tumor arising from a Schwann cell. These cells line the nerve that controls balance and hearing. This nerve is also in the inner ear. The tumor is sometimes called an acoustic neuroma. It is most common in adults.
Craniopharyngioma – Grows at the base of the brain, near the pituitary gland. It is most common in children.
Germ cell tumor of the brain – This tumor arises from a germ cell. Most germ cell tumors that arise in the brain occur in people younger than 30 years of age. The most common type of germ cell tumor of the brain is the germinoma.
Pineal region tumor – This rare brain tumor arises in or near the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located between the cerebrum and the cerebellum.
Secondary Brain Tumors
When cancer spreads from where it first started to other parts of the body, this new tumor has the same type of abnormal cells and is named the same as the primary tumor. A tumor that spreads to the brain from another part of the body is different from a primary brain tumor. When cancer has spread to the brain from another organ (such as the lung or chest), it is called a secondary tumor or metastatic tumor. Secondary tumors in the brain are much more common than primary brain tumors.
Brain Tumors: Who Is At Risk?
No one knows the exact causes of brain tumors. It can rarely be explained why one person develops a brain tumor and another person does not. However, it is a fact that brain tumors are not contagious. No one can “turn off” the disease from another person.
Studies have shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop brain tumors than others. A risk factor is any factor that increases a person’s likelihood of developing a disease.
The following risk factors increase the likelihood of developing a primary brain tumor:
Being male – Generally, brain tumors are more common in males than females. However, meningiomas are more common in women.
Race – Brain tumors are more common in whites than in other races.
Age – Most brain tumors have been detected in people 70 years and older. However, brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children (the most common childhood cancer is leukemia). Brain tumors are most common in children younger than 8 years old. It is less common in older children.
Familial history – Family members with glioma may be at increased susceptibility to the disease.
Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals in the workplace
Radiation – Nuclear industry workers have a high risk of developing a brain tumor.
Formaldehyde – Pathologists working with formaldehyde and those dealing with mummification have a high risk of developing brain cancer. The scientists found no increased risk of brain cancer in other workers exposed to formaldehyde.
Vinyl chloride – Plastics workers may be exposed to vinyl chloride. This chemical increases the risk of brain tumors.
Acrylonitrile – People who make textiles and plastics may be exposed to acrylonitride. This increases the risk of brain cancer.
Scientists are investigating whether cell phones cause brain tumors. Studies to date have not shown an increased risk of brain tumors in people who use mobile phones.
Researchers continue to explore whether head injuries are also a risk factor for brain tumors. Studies to date have not shown that such a condition increases the risk.
Most people with known risk factors do not develop brain cancer. On the other hand, many people who get sick do not have any of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. The doctor can suggest ways to reduce risk and plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.
Symptoms – Signs
Brain tumor symptoms depend on the size, type, and location of the tumor. Symptoms may occur when the tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. Symptoms can also occur when the brain swells or there is increased fluid in the head. The most common symptoms of brain tumors are:
Headaches (usually worse in the morning)
Nausea or vomiting
Changes in speech, vision, or hearing
Balance and walking problems
Changes in mood, personality or ability to concentrate
Memory problems
Muscle twitching or contraction (seizures or seizures)
In the arms or legs numbness or tingling
These symptoms are not definitive signs of a brain tumor. Other conditions can also cause these symptoms. People with symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
Diagnosis
If a person has symptoms suggestive of a brain tumor, the doctor may perform one or more of the following procedures:
Physical examination – The doctor checks for signs of general health.
Neurological exam – The doctor checks alertness, muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, and response to pain. The doctor also examines the eye to see if there is swelling caused by a tumor pressing on the nerve that connects the eye and the brain.
CT scan – An X-ray machine connected to a computer that takes a series of detailed pictures of the head. In order for the brain to appear more clearly in the pictures, a special contrast material is injected into the patient. Pictures can show tumor in the brain.
MRI- A powerful magnet attached to a computer and gives detailed pictures of the inside of the body. These images are viewed on a monitor and can be printed. Sometimes a special substance is injected to help show differences in brain tissue.
The doctor may also order other tests:
Angiogram – This is done with contrast agent injected into the blood going to the blood vessels in the brain to help them show up better on the X-ray. If there is a tumor, so the doctor can see it on the x-ray.
Skull x-ray – Some types of brain tumors cause calcium deposits in the brain or changes in the skull bones. With an X-ray, the doctor can check for these changes.
Lumbar puncture (spinal fluid aspiration)- The doctor may take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that fills the spaces around and within the brain and spinal cord). This procedure is done with local anesthesia. The doctor uses a long, thin needle to draw fluid from the spine. Lumbar puncture takes about 30 minutes. To prevent headache, the patient should lie flat for several hours. The fluid taken is examined in a laboratory to see if it contains cancer cells or other signs of problems.
Myelogram – This is an X-ray of the spine. A lumbar puncture is performed to inject a special contrast agent into the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient is laid on his side to allow the contrast agent to mix with the fluid. This test helps the doctor detect if there is a tumor in the spinal cord.
Biopsy – The removal of tissue to detect tumor cells is called a biopsy. The pathologist checks the tissue for abnormal cells by looking through the microscope. A biopsy can show cancer, tissue changes leading to cancer, and other conditions. A biopsy is the only sure way of diagnosing a brain tumor.
Surgeons can take tissue to look for tumor cells in three ways:
Needle biopsy- The surgeon makes a small incision in the scalp and makes a small hole in the skull. This is called a burr hole. The doctor inserts a needle through the burr hole and draws a sample of tissue from the brain tumor.
Sterotaxic biopsy- An imaging device such as CT or MRI guides the pathway from the burr hole to the tumor. The surgeon uses a needle to take a sample of tissue.
Biopsy is also a form of treatment
The surgeon sometimes takes a tissue sample during the patient’s tumor surgery.
Sometimes biopsy is not possible. If the tumor is in the brain stem or some other areas, it is not possible to take a piece of the tumor without damaging the normal brain tissue. The doctor uses MRI, CT, or other imaging modalities instead.
A patient who needs a biopsy may want to ask the doctor the following questions:
Why do I need a biopsy? How will the biopsy affect my treatment plan?
What type of biopsy will you do for me?
How long will it take? Will I be awake? Will it hurt me?
What are changes in infection or bleeding after biopsy? Are there any risks?
When will I know the results?
If I have a brain tumor, who will talk to me about the treatment? When are we going to meet?
Treatment
Many people with brain tumors want to take an active role in making decisions about their medical care and want to learn everything they can about their disease and treatment options. However, the shock and nervousness after a brain tumor diagnosis makes it difficult to think through everything to ask the doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions to ask before an interview. To remember what the doctor said, patients can take notes of what they have been told or get permission to use a tape recorder. Some patients also want to have a family member or friend with them when they see the doctor, to take part in the conversation, take notes, or just listen.
The doctor may refer the patient to a specialist or the patient may seek a referral. Specialists who treat brain tumors are neurosurgeons, neurooncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The patient may also be referred to other healthcare professionals working as a team. The medical team includes a nurse, dietitian, psychological counselor, social worker, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. Children may need teachers for help with their schoolwork.
A Second Option
Before starting treatment, the patient may wish to get a second opinion regarding the diagnosis and treatment plan. Some insurance companies ask for a second opinion; others may include a second opinion if the patient or doctor wishes.
There are many ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:
*The patient’s doctor may refer the patient to one or more specialists. Cancer centers often work as a team with several specialists.
*A nearby hospital, a medical school, or a relevant association may provide the names of specialists. …
Preparation for Treatment
The physician can describe treatment options and discuss the expected outcomes with each option. Doctor and patient can work together to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs. Treatment depends on many factors; The type, location, size and grade of the tumor affect the treatment. For some types of brain cancer, the doctor also needs to know if there are cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.
There are some questions a person may want to ask the doctor before starting treatment:
What type of brain tumor do I have?
Benign or malignant?
What is the grade of the tumor?
What are my treatment options? Which one would you recommend for me? Why?
What are the benefits of each treatment?
What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
How much will the treatment costs be?
How much will treatment affect my normal activities?
Would a clinical trial (research study) be suitable for me? Can you help me participate in one clinical trial?
There is no need to ask all the questions or understand all the answers at once. There will be other chances for the doctor to explain things that are not clear and for people to learn more.
Treatment Methods
People with a brain tumor have several treatment options. Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, patients may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Some patients require a combination of treatments.
They may also receive treatment at any stage of the disease to control pain and other signs of cancer, reduce the side effects of treatment, and alleviate emotional problems. This type of treatment is called symptom management, supportive care, or palliative care.
The doctor is the person who will explain the treatment options and best explain the expected results.
The patient may wish to speak to the doctor about taking part in a clinical trial investigating new treatment modalities.
Surgery is a form of treatment used for many brain tumors. Surgery to open the skull is called a craniotomy. It is performed under general anesthesia. Before the surgery begins, the scalp is shaved. The surgeon then cuts the scalp and uses a special type of saw to remove a piece of bone from the skull. After some or all of the tumor is removed, the surgeon closes the opening in the skull with a piece of bone, metal, or fabric. He then closes the incision in the scalp.
There are some questions that a person may want to ask the doctor before starting the surgery:
How will I feel after the surgery?
What will you do if I have pain?
How long is my hospital stay?
Will there be long-term effects? Will my hair grow back? Are there any side effects of the metal or fabric placed on the bone in the skull?
When will I return to my normal activities?
What are my chances of a full recovery?
Sometimes surgery is not possible. If the tumor is in the brain stem or some other areas, the surgeon cannot remove the tumor without damaging the surrounding tissues. Patients who cannot undergo surgery may receive radiation therapy or other treatment.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells. This ray can be x ray, gamma ray or protons. A large machine directs the beam to the tumor and tissue close to the tumor. Sometimes radiation can be given to the whole brain or spinal cord.
Radiation therapy is usually performed after surgery. The beam kills any tumor cells that may have remained in the area after surgery. Occasionally, patients who cannot undergo surgery may receive radiation therapy instead of surgery.
The patient goes to a hospital or clinic for radiation therapy. The treatment program depends on the type and size of the tumor and the age of the patient. Each treatment takes only a few minutes.
Doctors take some actions to protect the healthy tissue around the brain tumor:
Fractionation – Radiation therapy is usually done for a few weeks, five days a week. Administering the total dose over an extended period of time helps to preserve healthy tissue around the tumor.
Hyperfractionation- The patient receives smaller doses of radiation two or three times a day rather than a larger dose once a day.
Sterotactic radiation therapy- Narrow beams of light are directed at the tumor from different angles. For this procedure, the patient wears a rigid head-frame. An MRI or CT gives pictures of the exact location of the tumor. A computer is used by the doctor to decide what dose, size and angles of the beams should be. The treatment can be applied in one or more meetings.
3D conformal beam therapy – A computer creates a 3D image of the tumor and adjacent brain tissue. The doctor directs multiple beams of light to the exact shape of the tumor. The precise focusing of the beams preserves normal brain tissue.
Proton beam therapy – The source of the beam is protons rather than x-rays. The doctor directs beams of protons to the tumor. Protons can pass through healthy tissue without harming them and reach the tumor.
There are some questions a person may want to ask the doctor before starting radiation therapy:
Why should I receive this therapy?
When will treatment begin? When will it finish?
How will I feel during treatment? Will there be side effects?
How can I take care of myself during treatment?
How will I know if the beam is working?
Will I be able to continue my normal activities during treatment?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is also sometimes used to treat brain tumors. Medications can be given by mouth or by injection. Either way, drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Medications are usually given cyclically so that each treatment period is followed by a recovery period.
Chemotherapy can be given in the hospital’s outpatient clinic, doctor’s office, or at home. In rare cases, the patient may need to be hospitalized.
Children are more likely to receive chemotherapy than adults. However, adults can also receive chemotherapy after surgery or radiation therapy.
For some patients with recurrent brain cancer, the surgeon may remove the tumor and replace it with several layers of chemotherapy. Each layer is approximately 1.45cm in diameter and 1mm thick. Within a few weeks, the layers dissolve and deliver the drug to the brain. The drug kills cancer cells.
There are some questions a person may want to ask the doctor before starting chemotherapy:
Why do I need this treatment?
What will treatment do to me?
Will there be side effects? What can I do for side effects?
When will treatment begin? When will it finish?
How tight do my controls need to be?
Side Effects of Treatment
Because treatment can damage healthy cells and tissues, undesirable side effects are common. These side effects depend on many factors such as the location of the tumor, the type of tumor and the extent of treatment. Side effects may not be the same for every person and may even vary from one treatment session to the next. Before starting treatment, the healthcare team will describe possible side effects and guide the patient in coping with them.
Cancer treatments and overcoming side effects, Radiation Therapy and You; Chemotherapy and You; Nutritional Tips for Cancer Patients etc. There are some helpful pocket books and brochures. …
Surgery
Patients often experience headaches and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. However, pain can be controlled with medications. Patients should be able to talk to their doctor or nurse without hesitation to alleviate their pain.
It is also common for patients to feel weak and tired. Recovery time after a surgery may differ for each patient.
Another less common situation is when problems occur. In the brain, cerebrospinal fluid or blood may increase. This swelling is called edema. The healthcare team monitors the patient for signs of these problems. Steroids may be given to the patient to help reduce swelling. A second surgery may be needed to withdraw the fluid. The surgeon may insert a long, thin tube (shunt) into one of the ventricles in the brain. This tube is taken under the skin to another part of the body, usually the abdomen. Excess fluid is transported from the brain and deposited into the abdomen. Sometimes this fluid is delivered to the heart.
Infection is another problem that may develop after surgery. If this occurs, the healthcare team will give the patient antibiotics.
Neurosurgery can damage normal tissue. Brain damage can be a serious problem. The patient may have problems with thinking, visual function or speech. Personality changes or seizures may also occur in the patient. Most of these problems will decrease or disappear over time. But sometimes brain damage is permanent. The patient may need physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Some patients may experience nausea for several hours after treatment. The healthcare team may suggest various ways for the patient to overcome this problem. Radiation therapy can also cause patients to become very tired as treatment continues. Rest is important; however, doctors often advise patients to stay as active as possible as much as possible.
In addition, radiation therapy often leads to hair loss. Hair usually grows back in a few weeks. Radiation therapy can also affect the skin in the treated area. The scalp and ears may become red, dry and sensitive. The healthcare team can also suggest ways to alleviate these problems.
Sometimes the beam also kills healthy brain tissue. This side effect is called beam necrosis. Nekroz, baş ağrısı, nöbet ve hatta hastanın ölümüne bile yol açabilir.
Çocuklarda ışın, hipofiz bezini ve beynin diğer alanlarını zedeleyebilir. Bu durum, öğrenme problemlerine, büyümenin ve gelişmenin yavaşlamasına neden olabilir. Ayrıca çocukluk sırasında alınan ışın, hayatın ileriki aşamalarında ikincil tümör riskini de arttırmaktadır. Araştırmacılar, beyin tümörlü genç çocuklarda ışın tedavisi yerine kemoterapinin kullanılıp kullanılamayacağı üzerinde çalışmaktadırlar.
Kemoterapi ve ışın tedavisi aynı anda verildiğinde yan etkiler daha kötü olabilir. Doktor, bu problemlerin çözümü için yollar önerebilir.
Kemoterapi
Kemoterapinin yan etkileri esas olarak, kullanılan ilaçlara bağlıdır. En sık görülen yan etkiler, ateş ve soğuk algınlığı, mide bulantısı ve kusma, iştah kaybı ve zayıflıktır. Bazı yan etkiler ilaçla hafifletilebilir.
Beynine, ilaç taşıyan bir tabaka yerleştirilmiş olan hastalar, cerrahi sonrası enfeksiyon belirtileri için sağlık ekibince monitörden takip edilir. Bir enfeksiyon, antibiyotikle tedavi edilebilir.
Destekleyici Bakım
Beyin tümörlü kişiler, hastalığın herhangi bir döneminde, problemlerini önlemek veya kontrol etmek ve tedavi boyunca hayat kalitelerini düzeltmek için destekleyici bakım alırlar. Hastalar ağrıyı ve beyin tümörünün diğer belirtilerini kontrol etmek, tedavinin yan etkilerini hafifletmek ve duygusal sorunları azaltmak için tedavi alabilirler.
Aşağıdakiler, beyin tümörlü hastalar için sık görülen destekleyici bakım tipleridir:
Steroidler- Beyin tümörlü hastaların çoğu beyindeki şişliği azaltmaya yardımcı olması için steroide ihtiyaç duyarlar.
Antikonvülzan ilaçlar-Beyin tümörleri, nöbetlere neden olabilirler. Bunları önlemek veya kontrol etmek için antikonvülzan alırlar.
Şant- Eğer beyinde sıvı birikirse, cerrah sıvıyı çekmek için bir şant yerleştirebilir.
Beyin tümörlü insanların çoğu, hastalığın ilerlemesini yavaşlatmayı amaçlayan tedavilerle beraber, destekleyici bakım da alırlar. Bazıları tümör tedavisi yerine, belirtileri kontrol etmek için sadece destekleyici bakım almaya karar verebilmektedirler.
Rehabilitasyon
Rehabilitasyon, tedavi planının çok önemli bir parçası olabilir. Rehabilitasyonun hedefleri, kişinin ihtiyaçlarına ve tümörün günlük etkinlikleri nasıl etkilediğine dayanır. Sağlık ekibi, hastanın normal etkinliklerine mümkün olduğunca çabuk dönmesine yardımcı olmak için her çabayı gösterir. Birkaç tip terapist yardımcı olabilir:
Fizyoterapistler – Beyin tümörleri ve tedavileri paraliziye (felç) neden olabilir. Tümörler, bitkinlik ve denge problemlerine de yol açabilirler. Fizyoterapistler hastanın gücünü ve dengesini tekrar kazanmasına yardımcı olurlar.
Konuşma terapistleri – Konuşma, düşüncelerini ifade etme veya yutma güçlüğü çeken hastalara yardımcı olurlar.
İş ve uğraşı terapistleri – Yemek yeme, tuvaleti kullanma, banyo yapma ve giyinme gibi günlük yaşam etkinliklerini başarmayı öğrenmesi için hastaya yardımcı olurlar.
Beyin tümörlü çocukların özel ihtiyaçları olabilir. Bazen çocuklara hastanede veya evde öğretmenler gelebilir. Öğrenme veya öğrendiklerini hatırlama problemi olan çocuklar, okula geri döndüklerinde özel sınıflara veya öğretmenlere ihtiyaç duyabilirler.
Takip
Beyin tümörü sonrası düzenli hasta takibi çok önemlidir. Doktor, tümörün tekrar ortaya çıkmadığından emin olmak için yakın takiptedir. Kontroller, dikkatli fiziksel ve nörolojik muayeneleri içerebilir. Zaman zaman, hasta MR veya CT çektirebilir. Hastaya takılmış bir şant varsa, doktor bu şantın iyi çalışıp çalışmadığını kontrol eder. Doktor, takip planını (hastanın doktoru ne kadar sıklıkla ziyaret edeceği ve ne gibi testler gerekeceği) anlatabilir.
Tedavisini tamamlamış kişilere tedavi sonrası yardımcı olmak ve soruları cevaplamak amacıyla kitapçıklar bulunmaktadır. … Bu kitapçıklarda kişilerin ne tip yardıma ihtiyaç duyabilecekleri de anlatılmaktadır.
Beyin Tümörü Olanlar için Destek
Beyin tümörü gibi ciddi bir hastalıkla yaşamak kolay değildir. Bazı kişiler hastalıklarının duygusal ve pratik yönleri ile baş etmek için yardıma ihtiyaç duyduklarını görebilirler. Destek grupları yardımcı olabilir. Bu gruplarda, tedavinin etkileri ve hastalıkla baş etme hakkında öğrendiklerini paylaşmak için hastalar veya aile üyeleri biraraya gelirler. Hastalar bir destek grubu bulabilmek için sağlık bakım ekiplerinin bir üyesi ile konuşmak isteyebilirler. Gruplar, şahsen, telefon veya internet üzerinden destek verebilirler.
Beyin tümörü ile yaşayan insanlar ailelerinin bakımı, işlerini kaybetmeme veya günlük yaşam etkinliklerine devam etme konusunda üzülebilirler. Tedaviler ve yan etkileri, hastanede kalış süreleri ve tıbbi masraflarla ilgili endişeler sık görülür. Doktorlar, hemşireler ve sağlık ekibinin diğer üyeleri, tedavi, çalışma ve diğer etkinlikler hakkındaki soruları cevaplayabilirler. Duyguları hakkında konuşmak veya endişelerini anlatmak isteyen kişilere, bir sosyal hizmet uzmanı, danışman veya bir din bilgini ile görüşmek yardımcı olabilir. Bir sosyal hizmet uzmanı çoğunlukla, finansal yardım, taşıma, ev bakımı veya duygusal destek için kaynaklar önerebilir.
Kanser Bilgi Servisi, hastaların ve ailelerinin program, hizmet ve duyurularda yer almalarına yardım etmek için bilgi sağlayabilir.
Kanser Araştırmalarına Katılmak
Tüm ülkedeki doktorlar çok çeşitli klinik araştırmalar yürütmektedirler. Bunlar, insanların gönüllü olarak katıldıkları araştırma çalışmalarıdır. Çalışmalar, beyin tümörlerini tedavi etmenin yeni yollarını da içerir. Araştırma zaten gelişmelere yol açmıştır ve araştırmacılar da daha etkili yaklaşımlar için araştırma yapmaya devam etmektedirler.
Bu çalışmalara katılan hastalar, daha önceki araştırmada umut vermiş olan tedavilerden ilk kez yararlanma şansına sahiptirler. Hastalar, doktorların hastalık hakkında daha çok öğrenmelerine yardımcı olarak tıp bilimine önemli bir katkı da yaparlar. Klinik çalışmalarda bazı riskler olduğu halde, araştırmacılar hastalarını korumak için çok dikkatli adım atarlar.
Araştırmacılar, kanser karşıtı yeni ilaçları, dozları ve tedavi programlarını test ederler. Çeşitli ilaçlar, ilaç kombinasyonları ve ilaç ve ışın tedavisi kombinasyonları ile çalışırlar. Işın tedavisinin yeni yöntemlerini ve programlarını da test ederler.
Klinik bir çalışmada yer almak ile ilgilenen hastalar, doktorları ile konuşmalıdırlar. Ayrıca bu konu üzerine hazırlanmış bazı broşürler yardımcı olabilir. NCI’ın cancer.gov/clinical_trials internet sayfasında klinik araştırmalarla ilgili genel bilgiye de ulaşabilirler.
