Introduction

A brain tumor is a collection of damaged cells that multiply out of control within the brain. Also called a neoplasm, growth, mass, or lesion, a brain tumor is classified as either primary or secondary (metastatic), and can be benign or malignant.

• Primary brain tumors develop and generally remain in the brain.
• Secondary brain tumors, or metastatic brain tumors, are cancers that develop elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. The most common cancers that spread to the brain are lung and breast cancers.
• Malignant brain tumors grow rapidly and invade other cells.
• Benign brain tumors generally do not grow rapidly. However, even benign tumors can be life-threatening. Being informed of the diagnosis of a brain tumor is difficult for families, but there are also reasons to be hopeful. Substantial progress had been made in the medical understanding of cancers in general, and advances in learning the biology of brain tumors is leading to more effective treatment. Many of these treatment options are discussed below.

Facts

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, an estimated 62,000 new cases of primary brain tumors are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Some research indicates that the number of primary brain tumors is rising, particularly in the elderly. Primary malignant brain tumors represent 2.4 percent of all deaths due to cancer in the U.S. However, nearly half of all primary brain tumors are benign and can be treated successfully. An additional 150,000 individuals are diagnosed with metastatic brain tumors each year. The frequency of metastatic brain tumors appears to be increasing: improvements in treating primary cancers elsewhere in the body allow people to live longer, but stray cancer cells can find their way to the brain. There are more than 100 types of brain tumors. Certain types of primary brain tumors most commonly occur in children, while others occur more frequently in adults. Adult brain tumors typically appear between the ages of 40 and 60 years, and occur slightly more often in men.

Symptoms

As tumor cells multiply within the brain, they can press against, irritate, and/or destroy normal brain tissue. As a result, brain tumors may cause symptoms such as:

• headaches
• seizures
• speech problems
• weakness
• poor vision
• pain or numbness
• movement problems
• paralysis
• nausea or vomiting

Brain tumors may cause feelings of tiredness or fatigue. In addition, brain tumors can cause problems with memory, reading, and talking. However, not everyone gets every symptom. About one-third of people with brain tumors have no symptoms at all.

Diagnosing Brain Tumors

Brain tumors may be diagnosed and evaluated using one or more of several different types of procedures:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Biopsy

MRI, CT, and PET scanning are all ways to take pictures of the inside of the body. They do not require surgery. These procedures are discussed in more detail below.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRIs use an extremely strong magnet to produce images. With contrast-enhanced MRI, the patient is first injected with a dye that makes normal and tumor tissue display differently. If your loved one requires an MRI, be sure to tell the doctor of any history of allergies or drug reactions. Because the MRI uses a magnet, no metal can be brought into the room while the MRI is taking place. Patients who have pacemakers and/or metal implants cannot have an MRI.

Computerized tomography (CT)
A CT scan may be used for patients who cannot undergo MRI because they have pacemakers, metal implants, allergies, or claustrophobia.

CT scan machines take multiple x-rays of small areas of the brain from different angles. The computer then combines the scans to make a detailed, three-dimensional image.

Because iodine may be used as a contrast agent to enhance the image, you should tell the doctor if your loved one has any allergies, diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems, or thyroid conditions.

Positron emission tomography scan (PET)
PET scans are sometimes used in addition to an MRI or CT to evaluate brain tumors. After receiving treatment for a brain tumor, PET scans can also be used to differentiate new tumor growth from scar tissue or necrosis (cells killed by radiation).

Biopsy 
Biopsy is the surgical removal of a small piece of the tumor tissue. The tissue is studied to confirm the type of tumor, and to help the healthcare team outline a treatment plan.

Treating Brain Tumors

A range of options is considered in the treatment of brain tumors. Your healthcare team will design a plan to help treat the tumor and relieve any symptoms the brain tumor may be causing.

The following healthcare professionals may be part of the treatment team:

• Neurologist: a doctor who specializes in the management of patients with diseases of the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
• Neurosurgeon (or brain surgeon): a doctor who specializes in surgery of the brain and the rest of the nervous system.
• Neuro-oncologist: a doctor who specializes in the management of patients with brain tumors and other nervous system tumors.
• Neuropsychologist: a psychologist who specializes in how the brain works and the impact that damage to the brain has on the patient.
• Radiation oncologist: a doctor who specializes in the management of cancer patients and treats them with radiation therapy.
• Physical therapist: a healthcare provider who teaches and guides the patient through various exercises to prevent pain and restore function or help the patient to adapt to new physical limits.
• Speech-language pathologist or speech therapist: a healthcare provider who specializes in the treatment of communication and swallowing problems.
• Social worker: a healthcare provider who provides a wide range of services directly to persons with cancer and their families including counseling, support, and education.

Surgery

The first treatment of choice, depending on the location and size of the tumor, is surgical removal of as much of the lesion as possible (also called resection). Surgery can also reduce symptoms caused by swelling in the skull. Improvement in surgical techniques in recent years has made surgery much safer; however, surgery always has risks that you and your loved one should discuss with the oncologist and neurosurgeon. Surgery may be followed by radiotherapy (see below) to help treat any remaining tumor cells. In deciding whether surgery is right for your loved one, your doctor will consider the size, location, and type of the tumor, overall health, and medical history.

Radiation Therapy or Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy is the use of painless x-rays which destroy tumor cells by making them unable to reproduce. Radiation may be used after surgery to prevent the tumor from coming back (recurrence), or to destroy tumor tissue that could not be completely removed. In cases where surgery is not an option, radiotherapy may be used instead of surgery to destroy tumor tissue or to relieve symptoms. Different types of radiotherapy are described below:

• Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) delivers an even dose of radiation to the entire brain. Whole brain radiotherapy is the preferred treatment for brain tumors, because it can treat small, undetectable tumors that may be developing in different areas of the brain. The advantages of whole brain radiotherapy are that it can treat large and small tumors, many tumors at the same time, and tumors deep in the brain that cannot be removed through surgery. Whole brain radiotherapy is often used to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence after surgery.
• Conventional external beam radiation is the most common form of radiation therapy. The beams are aimed at the tumor plus a small border of tissue around the tumor. Conventional external beam radiation therapy is painless, and is typically given in 15-minute visits over several weeks.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery is a more targeted form of radiation therapy, and is not actually surgery at all. It is called "radiosurgery" because it is so precise and focused. The equipment used for radiosurgery is generally referred to by its brand name, such as Gamma Knife®, XKnife®, or CyberKnifeTM. This form of therapy delivers a higher dose of radiation to a small tumor (usually 1.5 inches or less in diameter) in a single treatment session. Because this form of radiation targets the tumor more precisely, it is less likely to injure healthy tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery treats only tumors that can be detected on MRI or CT scans.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of special drugs to kill tumor cells. Some chemotherapy drugs are given by mouth; others are given by injection. In some cases, chemotherapy may need to be given without stopping over a long period of time. In this case, a pump or catheter may be placed underneath the skin to deliver the drugs.

There is a chemically protective layer around the brain called the blood-brain barrier. This barrier can prevent the drugs or chemotherapy given by mouth or injection from reaching the brain. To solve this problem, new ways of giving chemotherapy are being developed to deliver the drug directly to the tumor. One example of this is chemotherapy wafer implants that are surgically implanted in the tumor site and deliver treatment over time. New drugs are also being developed that target specific abnormalities in the tumor cells. Referred to as "targeted treatments," this new generation of drugs forms the basis of personalized medicine.

Because chemotherapy affects both healthy cells and tumor cells, side effects can occur. These vary depending on the type of drug and the individual.

Treating the Symptoms

The following treatments can help with the symptoms of a brain tumor, such as headaches and nausea, although they will not actually help to remove the tumor or cure your loved one:

Steroids (Corticosteroids)
Brain tumors often produce swelling and inflammation inside the skull. This can cause headaches, sleepiness, and other problems. Steroids (corticosteroids), usually dexamethasone, reduce the swelling quickly and can improve mental functioning. Most patients feel better with short-term steroid medications; however, some will need to take steroids for more than a few months to control symptoms. If your loved one takes steroids as part of the treatment plan, be sure to tell the doctor or nurse about any changes in their health that you may notice. Steroids can cause side effects such as weight gain, increased appetite, insomnia, and irritability. Also, your loved one should speak with the doctor if they decide to stop taking steroids as stopping suddenly can be dangerous.

Anti-seizure medications (Anticonvulsants)
Medications may be given to help prevent seizures. These medications are called anti-seizure medications or anticonvulsants. There are several different anti-seizure medications available such as Keppra, Tegretol, Depakote, Neurontin, and phenobarbitol. If your loved one is taking an anti-seizure medication as part of the treatment plan and either it does not work or causes unpleasant side effects, the doctor can switch to a different medication.

Complementary therapies
Your loved one's medical treatment is carefully planned to control the disease and reduce the symptoms as much as possible. Many people seek out complementary therapies to help them feel better and cope with the stress of cancer. These therapies are not meant to replace the medical therapy, but may help your loved one to manage his or her symptoms. Complementary therapies for cancer may include stress management, relaxation and imagery training, meditation, group support, family counseling, nutrition, herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture, and education. Some cancer centers and hospitals offer these services for people with cancer, their families, and their caregivers.

Can Clinical Trials Help Your Loved One?

Clinical trials are research studies to test new treatments. For cancer research, a clinical trial might focus on medication, surgery, radiotherapy, a new type of therapy, or some combination of these. Benefits of participating in clinical trials include:

Some risks of participating in clinical trials include:

• Being among the first to receive a promising new treatment
• High-quality medical care
• Helping doctors understand more about cancer treatment, thus helping future cancer patients

Some risks of participating in clinical trials include:

• An experimental treatment may not be as good as standard care
• The new treatment may not work for your loved one
• Your loved one may be in the study group that does not receive the new treatment

Doctors are now investigating several treatments for brain tumors in clinical trials. Some new drugs are designed to increase the effectiveness of standard treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Other new treatments are designed to change tumor cells, so that their growth is under control. There are many ways to find trials that might be appropriate for your loved one. Start by asking the doctor about what trials are available. Various organizations also provide lists of trials along with information about what is being tested, and where the trial is occurring. See the section below entitled Resources for information on how to contact these organizations. Be sure to check with your loved one's health insurance provider to see whether the costs of participating in the clinical trial are covered.

What Will Happen After Treatment?

After treatment, a patient's health is monitored closely. An MRI, CT, or other type of imaging scan may be done every so often to see if the treatment is working. Frequent physical exams will help the doctor find out if the cancer has returned or if side effects are a problem. Be sure to report any recurrence of symptoms or other changes in your loved one's health promptly to the doctor or nurse.

Issues for Caregivers

Q: What effects do brain tumors have on the mind, emotions, or personality?
Brain tumors can indeed affect the mind, emotions, and/or personality. Problems with memory, speech, and/or concentration may occur. Your loved one may face serious mental challenges with feelings of confusion. Moods may change, as may the way a person acts. Your loved one may have difficulty doing more than one task at a time. Various treatments may slow the progression of these symptoms, so check with the doctor about what treatments may help.

Be aware that a neuropsychologist can help with rehabilitation. In order to come up with an effective plan, the neuropsychologist will first do a series of tests to look at your loved one's emotions, behaviors, and mental abilities. Based on the results of the tests, one or more of the following may be recommended:

• Cognitive rehabilitation, which means treatment for mental difficulties
• Occupational rehabilitation, which is education and training about how to be able to continue working
• Counseling to deal with emotional changes

Q: How can the home be safer for my loved one with brain tumors?
Due to possible muscle weakness, changes in balance, and other considerations, the following may help make your home safer for your loved one:

• Put handrails in shower and bathtub
• Get a shower chair
• If the home is more than one story, consider putting your loved one's bed on the ground floor
• Consider getting a hospital bed
• Consider getting a portable toilet

Q: How can I cope emotionally?
As a caregiver, you may choose to receive counseling either to learn how to help your loved one deal with the mental changes they are having, or to learn to deal with your own reactions to changes in your loved one. This is a difficult time for everyone involved. While illness may bring people closer together, it may also cause tension, unhappiness, and stress. Here are some suggestions for coping:

• Find family members and friends who are willing to commit to helping you take care of your loved one.
• Involve those people in a caring community that provides both practical and emotional support to you and your loved one.
• Identify your strengths and the strengths of the others in your caring community.
• Take time off regularly! Caregiver burnout is a major concern.
• Get involved with outside groups and organizations that provide support and information for people with cancer and their caregivers.

Resources

Family Caregiver Alliance
National Center on Caregiving
(415) 434-3388 | (800) 445-8106
Website: www.caregiver.org
Email: info@caregiver.org(link sends e-mail)
FCA CareJourney: www.caregiver.org/carejourney
Family Care Navigator: www.caregiver.org/family-care-navigator

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, services, research, and advocacy. Through its National Center on Caregiving, FCA offers information on social, public policy, and caregiving issues and provides assistance in the development of public and private caregiver programs. For residents of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, FCA provides direct support services for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, and other debilitating disorders that strike adults.

FCA Fact and Tip Sheets

A listing of all fact and tips is available online at www.caregiver.org/fact-sheets.

Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Caregiving at Home: A Guide to Community Resources

Other Organizations and Links

National Brain Tumor Society
www.braintumor.org(link is external)

The American Brain Tumor Association
www.abta.org(link is external)

Brain Science Foundation
www.brainsciencefoundation.org(link is external)

The Healing Exchange Brain Trust
www.braintrust.org(link is external)

This fact sheet was prepared by Family Caregiver Alliance and reviewed by Jennifer Westlund, MSW, Director, National Programs and Services with the American Brain Tumor Association. © 2011, 2018  Family Caregiver Alliance. All rights reserved.