CONDITIONS
Brain tumours are primary, when they start from the brain itself and its coverings, or secondary, when they are metastases of other cancers. Their management requires an experienced team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists.
Primary tumours
They start from the brain, the meninges, the pituitary gland or the nerves. They may be benign or malignant.
Secondary tumours
Metastases of cancers from other parts of the body, such as the lung, the breast or melanoma. They are malignant by nature.
Symptoms
The brain controls every function, from walking and speech to breathing, the senses, memory and emotions, through an intricate network of neurons. When a tumour presses on or invades an area, a neurological deficit appears that worsens over time.
- Disturbances of speech or of understanding language
- Persistent and worsening headache
- Seizures
- Weakness in a limb
- Disturbances of vision or balance
- Partial loss of consciousness
- Endocrine disturbances in tumours of the pituitary gland
Diagnosis
In many patients the tumour is discovered by chance on imaging done for another reason. The first diagnosis is usually made with a CT scan. MRI with contrast confirms the diagnosis and shows precisely the extent of the lesion and its relation to the functional areas.
- CT scan
The first test, often as an emergency, which locates the tumour.
- MRI with contrast
Confirms the diagnosis and maps the extent of the lesion.
- Histological and molecular analysis
After surgical removal or biopsy, it defines the type and grade of malignancy.
- Treatment plan
Neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists plan the treatment together.
Surgical removal
Surgical removal is the first choice for many types of tumour. New methods minimise damage to healthy tissue, and therefore postoperative problems, and allow tumours to be removed whole. When the tumour lies in a sensitive area, such as the speech centres, techniques that protect the functional areas are used.
Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy
| Treatment | How it is done | Side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Radiotherapy | External beam radiation aimed at the tumour, or stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) with great precision and minimal exposure of the surrounding tissues. It shrinks the tumour or eliminates residual disease after surgery. | Fatigue, skin redness, hair loss in the area. |
| Chemotherapy | Intravenous or by mouth, usually combined with radiotherapy. The dose is adjusted to the response. | Nausea, fatigue, increased risk of infections. |
| Immunotherapy | Checkpoint inhibitors and, in clinical trials, mRNA vaccines that reprogramme the immune system against the tumour. | Inflammatory reactions, varying with the drug. |
Brain tumours are a complex category, with varied approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Research into new, more effective treatments continues and gives hope to patients and their families.
Your care at the 4th Oncology Clinic
Every case is discussed at the Clinic’s tumour board, where medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists jointly design the personalised treatment plan. Our patients have access to new treatments through the Clinical Trials Centre and, where there is a family history, to genetic counselling. Meet our team or contact us for an appointment.
Book an appointment
Appointments: 210 48 09 150, 210 48 09 160
Daily 08:00 to 16:00
oncology.clinic4@gmail.com