A guide to understanding and treating brain tumours

A diagnosis of a brain tumour is frightening news for anyone. But today, cutting-edge research and treatment breakthroughs mean many people with this condition are enjoying longer and more productive lives. And an increasing number are even cured.

A tumour can damage nerve tissue or dangerously increase pressure on your brain. This is why many benign, or non-cancerous, tumours can be serious.

• Obviously, malignant, or cancerous, brain tumours cause even more problems: they grow faster and can destroy neighbouring tissue.
• When these tumours originate in your brain, they're called primary tumours; if they spread from elsewhere, they're known as secondary tumours.
• Secondary (metastatic) malignant brain tumours are about three times more common than primary ones.
• A primary malignant brain tumour is classified based on the type of brain cell it came from and where in the brain it’s located.
• About half are called gliomas, which grow from supporting cells of the nerve tissue. Gliomas can range from slow-growing to very aggressive cancers. (Generally, the slower a tumour grows, the better your prognosis.)
• Malignant brain tumours are "graded" according to their tendency to grow and spread: Grade I is the least dangerous and Grade IV is the most aggressive and fastest growing.

Symptoms of a brain tumour vary greatly, depending on the size and location, and the rate at which it’s growing.

• The first symptom is usually recurring headaches from the increasing pressure building up inside your skull (although be assured that the vast majority of headaches aren't caused by brain tumours).
• A brain tumour can also affect your balance and cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting, gradual loss of movement in an arm or leg, seizures, hearing or vision problems, and personality changes.
• With so many types of tumours, however, it’s important not to leap to conclusions too quickly. You can take heart from studies that show that people who survive for two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour have a 70 percent chance of surviving for five years or more.

• For most tumours, surgery to determine type and treatment, to reduce their size or to remove them entirely.
• Radiation therapy to shrink tumours, usually after surgery but sometimes as a stand-alone treatment.
• In some cases, chemotherapy to diminish tumours.
• Investigative therapies for problems that don't respond to standard treatment.

• Bring a notebook to doctors' appointments and write down the answers to your questions, appointment times and places, and any special instructions.
• Ask your doctor for anti-nausea drugs if you're scheduled for radiation therapy or chemotherapy (both treatments can cause nausea and vomiting). Medicines commonly prescribed include metoclopramide and ondansetron (Zofran).
• Join a support group. Other people going through the same thing you are can offer invaluable emotional support. The group can also be a font of information on many things, including treatments and coping techniques. Ask if hospitals in your community have cancer support groups.
• Keep a wish list of things you'd like help with. Friends and neighbours are sure to want to lend a hand, so don't be reluctant to ask them for whatever you need.
• Try stress-reduction techniques. Dealing with a brain tumour and its treatment can push your stress level sky-high. Meditation, deep-breathing exercises and going for walks can all help you feel calmer and better able to handle what comes.

• The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada provides information and support to brain tumour patients. Contact the BTFC in London, Ontario (1-800-265-5106 or www.braintumour.ca).

With the advance of modern medicine, finding brain tumours has never been more accurate. Keep this guide in mind and be sure to contact your doctor for more information and treatment options.