National Brain Cancer and Tumor Awareness Month
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, which is a time to bring awareness to the various types of brain tumors, their treatments, and the challenges faced by patients and their families. A brain tumor is a cancerous or noncancerous growth of abnormal cells in the brain. One of the most common treatments for brain tumors is radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells. The radiation is targeted at the tumor site to shrink the tumor or prevent it from growing. Radiation therapy can be used as the primary treatment for brain tumors or as an adjuvant therapy along with surgery or chemotherapy.
There are two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy uses a machine that directs radiation beams at the tumor site from outside the body. Internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive material inside the body, near the tumor site.
Before starting radiation therapy, the radiation oncologist will create a treatment plan based on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. The treatment plan will specify the dose of radiation, the number of treatments, and the duration of the treatment.
There are 2 main types of radiation therapy:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT):
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In this treatment, a machine sends the rays of energy to the tumor.
The different types of external-beam radiation therapy are:
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Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)
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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
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Proton beam therapy.
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Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
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Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).
Internal radiation (brachytherapy):
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In this treatment, small seeds of radiation are put inside or near the tumor.
Benefits of Radiation Treatment for Brain Tumors
Radiation therapy has several benefits for brain tumor patients. The main benefit is that it can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, improving patient outcomes. Radiation therapy can also help relieve symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and difficulty speaking or walking.
Radiation therapy can be used to treat all types of brain tumors, including primary brain tumors, which start in the brain, and metastatic brain tumors, which start elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat recurrent brain tumors that have come back after previous treatment.
Potential Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Brain Tumors
Radiation therapy for brain tumors can have side effects, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, and skin irritation. These side effects are usually temporary and go away after treatment is complete. In some cases, radiation therapy can cause more serious side effects, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and vision problems. These side effects are more likely to occur if the radiation dose is high or if the tumor is located near critical structures in the brain, such as the optic nerve or the hippocampus.
Radiation treatment is an effective treatment option for brain tumors. It can kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and relieve symptoms. However, it can also have side effects, so it is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of radiation therapy with their healthcare provider. By raising awareness about brain tumors and their treatments during Brain Tumor Awareness Month, we can help improve outcomes for patients and their families. Talk to your doctor about what the best course of treatment will be for you.