Treatment introduction
A brain tumor or intracranial neoplasm occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. There are two main types of tumors: malignant or cancerous tumors and benign tumors. Cancerous tumors can be divided into primary tumors that start within the brain, and secondary tumors that have spread from somewhere else, known as brain metastasis tumors. Most types of brain tumors may produce symptoms that vary depending on the part of the brain involved. These may include headaches, seizures, problem with vision, vomiting, mental changes, difficulty in walking, speaking and paresthesia.
There are no specific clinical symptoms which can directly determine the occurrence of brain tumors, but focal neurological symptoms occurrence and aggravation should take a considerable attention, or patients with no history of epilepsy have sudden seizures should raise vigilance.
Imaging: In addition to clinical symptoms, imaging can increase the accuracy of diagnosis of brain tumors, and is also quite helpful for the postoperative tracking and treatment. Current imaging include: CT scan (Computed Tomography; CT), magnetic resonance imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging; MRI), and cerebral angiography.
Biopsy: Although doctors can often do the initial diagnosis by imaging, but the majority still need pathological biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When a brain tumor is inoperable, biopsy still contribute to the follow-up treatment. The current methods include stereotactic biopsy and open craniotomy biopsy.
For primary tumors, surgical resection is the most common treatment modality. As for the deep-seated tumors which cannot be removed through traditional open surgery, gamma knife radiosurgery is another possible option.
For benign tumors, the probability of complete surgical resection is high, and the patient's survival rate is high as well. Without radiation or chemotherapy, the relapse rate is low. However, patient may still need diagnostic imaging tests such as CT or MRI. If the benign tumor could not be removed completely , the patient need closely follow-up, or to use chemotherapy, or radiation therapy accordingly.
For malignant brain tumor, if it can be completely resected or nearly completely resected, the prognosis is better. However, radiotherapy and/ or chemotherapy are still needed to control tumor growth.