Brain Tumor Radiation Treatment

Radiation is a main form of treatment for brain tumors. It might be used on its own or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy. The type of radiation you receive is based on a number of factors, and your doctor or treatment team will decide on the most appropriate course of treatment. Radiation uses high-energy particles to kill tumor cells.

External Beam Radiation

• External radiation uses radiation beams from an external machine and directs them at your tumor. External beam radiation might target just the tumor, or you might receive whole brain radiation. Whole brain radiation is sometimes used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might have broken off from the original tumor. It is also used if you have multiple tumors that cannot be removed by surgery or if you have another type of cancer that has spread to the brain.

Internal Radiation

• Brachytherapy, or internal radiation, uses radioactive seeds placed inside your body near the tumor. They release radiation into the tumor. Brachytherapy is more common for other kinds of cancer, such as prostate cancer, and is rare for brain cancer.

Radiosurgery

• Radiosurgery is a highly focused form of radiation treatment. It involves targeting tumor cells in a small, well-defined area with multiple beams of radiation. The beams themselves are not strong but when they all meet at the brain tumor, they deliver a significant dose of radiation to destroy the cancerous cells. This might be an option if your tumor cannot be removed through traditional surgery. Normally, it is a single treatment procedure and you can go home the same day.

Side Effects of Brain Tumor Radiation

• Radiation to the head and neck might cause certain side effects. They include dry mouth, thickened saliva, trouble swallowing, sore throat, altered taste, earaches, jaw pain and nausea. Tell your doctor if you are having any of these symptoms; he might be able suggest medications or self-care strategies.

Post-Treatment

• After initial treatment, you will receive periodic brain scans to gauge the effectiveness of the radiation. Your tumor might respond to treatment immediately or it might take several weeks or months before it improves. You must also prepare yourself for the possibility if will not work at all. Depending on outcomes and individual circumstances, you may or may not undergo another round of treatment.