Brain cancer or a brain tumor is usually an abnormal cell growth in the brain or the brain stem. These tumors may or may not be malignant.
Non-malignant tumors are relatively less harmful and can be extracted with surgery. It is the malignant kind of brain cancer that brings out fear in people. Brain cancer that is malignant is usually the kind that can metastasize anywhere else, and very rapidly too. Doctors typically attempt to remove these cancers with surgery because of their nature, but other treatments also used as a precaution.
Radiation therapy or radiation is one such treatment for brain cancer. Radiation is basically concentrated exposure of different rays to kill the cancer cells. This energy damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing the cells from multiplying further. Radiation usually targets tumors in a specific location without extensive damage to the adjacent healthy tissue. The rays used include X-rays, gamma rays and protons. Your physician, radiation oncologist and you will, together, decide on the course of treatment. You will then be taken through a session where the treatment will be explained, sometimes in a simulated environment. Once your treatment starts, a radiation technologist will administer it.
Depending on the treatment you are given, you will need to wear certain type of clothing and equipment. Many factors will decide the course of treatment. Conditions like the age of the patient, the location and size of the tumor, the depth the radiation will have to penetrate to, and the patient’s general and medical history are all taken into account.There are specialized types of radiation therapy for brain cancer as well.
Some of them are:
Radiation treatment is used usually in conjunction with chemotherapy to combat brain cancer. Tumors in the brain, especially the malignant sorts, can be difficult to treat. Surgery is the first option but it is not always the safest option. Treatments for cancer, especially brain cancer, have tremendous side effects. Some effects are chronic (which happen during treatment) and other side effects are acute side effects (that happen after the treatment is done).The main side effects of radiation therapy for brain cancer include:
Children can also be victims of brain cancer. Treating children with radiation therapy for cancer can lead to really serious complications, and is therefore treatment could be very challenging. These complications can severely affect the child’s growth and future.
Radiation given to children can lead to an underdeveloped pituitary gland. Damage to this gland can lead to growth problems and limited learning capabilities. Vision and hearing problems, hormone deficiencies, seizures and growth abnormalities are also common late side effects in children. There is also an increased risk of brain tumors as adults, when children are given radiation therapy. A big team is normally involved while deciding the course of treatment for a child with brain tumors. Along with oncologists and radiation therapists who specialize in pediatrics, there are also pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists along with psychiatrists and social workers who help the child and his family get through treatment for brain tumors.
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