How to Treat Gliomas

Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that have started in the brain as opposed to spreading to the brain from other areas of the body. There are several types of gliomas depending on what area of the brain the tumor originated in. According to UCLA Health System, astrocytoma is the most common type of glioma. Exact treatment plans will vary according to the type of glioma, its location and the age of the patient. However, there are various treatment options which are commonly recommended. Many people have more than one type of treatment for gliomas.

Instructions

• 1

  Get surgery. There are times a glioma may be located in an area of the brain that controls vital functions and surgery is considered too risky. However, if surgery is deemed safe, a portion or all of the tumor may be removed. After removal a biopsy will usually be done to determine the type of glioma and whether is it cancerous.

• 2

  Undergo radiation therapy. If the glioma is cancerous, radiation treatment helps destroy the cancer cells. There are a few different types of radiation therapy which may be given depending on the size and location of the glioma. For example, fractionated radiation is given in daily doses, five times a week usually over six weeks.

• 3

  Have chemotherapy. Different combinations of medications are given to kill the tumor. Although chemotherapy is not considered effective in treatment of all brain tumors, according to the Mayo Clinic, in most types of gliomas it can increase life span.

• 4

  Take steroids. Corticosteroids are given to decrease pressure in the brain that may be caused by the glioma. Other medications given may include anti-seizure and pain medications.

• 5

  Enter a clinical trial. In certain situations standard treatment for a glioma may not be effective. Clinical trials are forms of treatment that are in various stages of research to determine their effectiveness. You can locate a clinical trial with the help of your doctor or by visiting the clinical trial government website listed in the Resource section below.

• 6

  Manage side effects of treatment. Side effects can occur will all types of glioma treatment. Chemotherapy can cause nausea and fatigue. Antiemetic medication can be given to reduce vomiting before, during and after chemo. Radiation therapy may cause hair loss. Use a gentle shampoo and limit products that may damage the hair, such as curling irons and harsh dyes. Steroids may cause an increase in appetite and weight gain. Selecting healthy foods, such as fruits and lean meats, may reduce weight gain.