Main treatments for a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer)
A malignant brain tumour (brain cancer) is often treatable. But it can be difficult to treat.
The treatment you have will depend on:
- the size and type of tumour you have
- where it is
- if it has spread
- your general health
It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and medicines to help with the symptoms.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
- help you manage the side effects of treatment
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Surgery
Surgery is the main treatment for most types of malignant brain tumours.
Surgery may be used to:
- remove the tumour, or part of it
- take a sample of the tumour for testing (a biopsy)
- drain any build up of fluid on your brain (hydrocephalus) to help improve symptoms
You may not need surgery immediately if you have a very slow growing tumour that is not causing any symptoms.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.
You may have radiotherapy for a malignant brain tumour:
- as the main treatment if the cancer is large or has spread
- after surgery, to help stop the cancer coming back
Radiotherapy for a malignant brain tumour is usually given from outside the body, where a machine is used to carefully aim beams of radiation at the cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.
You may have chemotherapy for a malignant brain tumour:
- after surgery, to help stop the cancer coming back
- if your brain tumour comes back
Sometimes chemotherapy is given with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy).
Targeted medicines
Targeted medicines kill cancer cells.
Targeted medicines are sometimes used to treat certain types of brain tumours in children and young people over 1 year old.
Medicines to help with symptoms
As well as other treatments to reduce the size of the tumour, you might be offered medicines to:
- help control seizures (fits)
- reduce swelling inside your brain
- control any pain
What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured
If you have advanced brain cancer, it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer.
If this is the case, the aim of your treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer.
Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in.
You'll be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team.
They'll work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need.