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Brain tumour treatment options

Understanding your brain tumour treatment options

Information and support as you navigate treatment decisions

Treatment for a brain tumour is tailored to the individual. It will depend on factors such as the type, size and location of the tumour, as well as your age and general health.

After your tests and investigations, your medical team will review the results carefully and talk you through the treatment options that may be right for you. These may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or active monitoring.

It can feel overwhelming to take in lots of information at this stage, and it is completely normal to have questions or worries. If you can, take someone with you to appointments and make notes so you can look back on what was discussed.

No two treatment plans are the same. Your care will be based on your own diagnosis and needs, even if it looks different from someone else’s experience.

“It helped to take things one step at a time and ask questions when I needed to. I didn’t have to understand everything all at once.”

 

Treatment options for brain tumours

Treatment for a brain tumour is different for everyone.

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of tumour, its location and how quickly it is growing as well as your overall health.

The resources below explain some of the most common treatment approaches, helping you better understand what your doctors may discuss with you.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy or slow the growth of tumour cells. It may be used on its own or alongside other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy.

Learn how chemotherapy works and when it may be recommended.

 

Learn about chemotherapy

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy tumour cells. It is often used after surgery or when surgery is not possible.

Understand how radiotherapy works and what treatment may involve.

 

Understanding radiotherapy

Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common treatments for brain tumours. It may be used to remove as much of the tumour as possible or confirm a diagnosis.

Learn more about brain tumour surgery and what to expect before and after treatment.

 

About brain tumour surgery

Clinical trials and research

Clinical trials help researchers develop new treatments and improve existing care for people with brain tumours.

Find out how clinical trials work and whether taking part might be an option.

 

Learn about clinical trials

Second opinions

If you feel unsure about your diagnosis or treatment plan, you can ask for a second opinion from another specialist.

Another doctor can review your scans and results to help you feel more confident about the decisions ahead.

 

Getting a second opinion

After treatment

Follow-up care is an important part of recovery. Regular appointments and scans help your medical team monitor your health and support your ongoing wellbeing.

Learn what happens after treatment and what support may be available.

 

Life after treatment

Treatment decisions can feel overwhelming, but support and guidance can make the journey feel less uncertain.

Many people find that having the right information and someone to talk to can help them feel more confident about the steps ahead.

Talk to our support team about treatment decisions

Understanding treatment options can sometimes feel overwhelming.

If you have questions about surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other treatments, our experienced Support Team is here to listen and help you talk things through.

We can help you think about questions to ask your medical team, understand the support available for you and your family, and provide a safe space to discuss how you are feeling.

☎ 01454 422 701 (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm)

✉ Request support from our team

Our services are free and confidential.

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Living with the hidden impact of a brain tumour diagnosis

Decisions about treatment can bring uncertainty, difficult conversations and many emotions.

During Brain Tumour Awareness Month we share real experiences from people affected by brain tumours, including the challenges of navigating treatment and finding support along the way.

Hearing other people’s experiences helped us feel less alone and better understood the challenges of living with a brain tumour.

Explore stories from people who have navigated treatment decisions and learn more about the hidden impact of brain tumours.

Brain Tumour Awareness Month
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