How can my family, my loved ones and I cope with my brain tumor?
Brain Tumor FAQA family in which one member has a brain tumor is constantly challenged by changing circumstances, and yet must also strive to be caring and supportive throughout the entire process of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Being aware of some of the different ways in which illness may affect you and your loved ones can help in finding the best ways to cope with these changes. People may respond in various ways.
Related QuestionsFAQ, Richmond Brain Tumor Support GroupFor a list of questions to keep in mind, read the Fact Sheet: Issues to Consider When Choosing a Brain Tumor Treatment Center.Related Questions
What is a brain tumor?
Johns Hopkins Surgical Neuropathology: Frequently Asked Ques...The meaning of the word tumor is a "lump" or a "swelling", and in medical language it is used to indicate an abnormal, uncontrolled growth in any part of the body. You may think of it as a group of cells which rapidly divide and do not recognize any rule or limit. The brain tumors are similar to the tumors of other organs. However, since the brain is the center of many critical functions, tumors arising in this organ have serious outcomes.
Related QuestionsPediatric FAQA brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in which some cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, apparently unregulated by the mechanisms that control normal cells. The growth of a tumor takes up space within the skull and interferes with normal brain activity. A tumor can cause damage by increasing pressure in the brain, by shifting the brain or pushing against the skull, and by invading and damaging nerves and healthy brain tissue.Related Questions
How can I stay in touch with my family and loved ones while I am at Shoshoni?
Frequently Asked Questions about Four Week Yoga Teacher Trai...We have a pay phone in our dining room that is available—most often, trainees give their family members the phone number and make a “phone date.” We also have Cingular service at the retreat center, and cellular phones can be used in private areas such as cabins or dorm rooms. We also offer a wireless Internet connection in our lodge.
Related QuestionsHow can I get connected with other brain tumor survivors and family members?
Brain Tumor FAQNBTF maintains a comprehensive list of brain tumor support groups for patients and their families, with over 200 support groups across the United States and Canada currently listed. You can post and answer email messages on the NBTF Message Boards. NBTF Message Boards are for brain tumor patients, survivors, family members, caregivers or health professionals dealing with the same tumor types.
Related QuestionsHow is a brain tumor diagnosed?
Brain Cancer FAQThe doctor does a complete physical exam with special attention to neurological examination. This includes checks for alertness, muscle strength, coordination, reflexes and response to pain. The doctor also examines the eyes for swelling caused by a tumor pressing on the nerve that connects the eye and the brain. The doctor may request a CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of the brain. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine.
Related QuestionsIs a benign brain tumor safe?
Brain Tumor Guide: FAQThere are two meanings of the word benign in reference to brain tumors. Just as brain tumors are not cancerous, brain tumors are benign because they do not spread outside the brain. However, growths in the brain are dangerous because of the importance of the brain and the limited amount of space inside the skull. Therefore, this meaning of the word benign is meaningless and misleading when applied to brain tumors. Brain tumors are often divided between benign and malignant tumors based on grade.
Related QuestionsHow is a brain tumor recognized?
Johns Hopkins Surgical Neuropathology: Frequently Asked Ques...Many brain tumors may create complaints which force the patient to seek medical help. However, today more and more tumors are being recognized before they create complaints with the help of advanced radiological studies. These studies sometimes are performed for other reasons, and coincidentally lead to discovery of tumors. Even though the physician may find the effects of a brain tumor in the body, he/she can not feel or see them during a routine physical examination.
Related QuestionsHow is a definitive diagnosis of a brain tumor made?
Johns Hopkins Surgical Neuropathology: Frequently Asked Ques...The most accurate, and sometimes the only way to accurately diagnose a brain tumor requires a biopsy. The surgeon performs the biopsy and the pathologist makes the final diagnosis, and can tell whether the tumor appears benign or malignant.
Related QuestionsWhat is a benign brain tumor?
Johns Hopkins Surgical Neuropathology: Frequently Asked Ques...Benign probably is derived from the Latin word benigenus which means "a good kind" (bene= well, genus= born of, kind). In theory all benign tumors behave well and do not pose serious danger to the patient. Benign tumors are usually easily separated from normal tissues and therefore they can be removed surgically. However, tumors do not read books, so they are not aware of this sharp definition.
Related QuestionsWhat is a malignant brain tumor?
Johns Hopkins Surgical Neuropathology: Frequently Asked Ques...This word is derived from the Latin malignus which meant evil disposed, and is used as the opposite of benign. A malignant brain tumor is life-threatening. Malignant brain tumors possess certain chemicals which enable them to infiltrate into other tissues and spread into other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are almost impossible to remove totally by surgery, unless they are caught early in their course.
Related QuestionsWhat is the difference between a benign brain tumor and a malignant (cancerous) brain tumor?
Pediatric FAQBenign brain tumors are slow-growing tumors that can be removed or destroyed if in an accessible location. Malignant tumors (brain cancer) are rapidly growing tumors that invade or infiltrate and destroy normal brain tissue. No one is certain why, but some benign brain tumors may change over time to become malignant. Tumors are graded to indicate how quickly they are growing. Most medical institutions use the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system to identify brain tumors.
Related QuestionsCan family members dine with their loved ones at the center?
Regency Nursing - Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, family members can dine at the facility for a minimal charge. Guest meal tickets can be purchased from the receptionist.
Related QuestionsWhat are some suggestions for telling family members about the diagnosis of a brain tumor?
Anatomy of the Brain: The Brain Tumor Program at University ...It is important that family members be told so they can be informed and supportive during treatment and recovery. Even young children should receive a simple, honest explanation; otherwise, they may form a conclusion that is worse than the actual situation. Telling the family is not something the patient has to do alone or without help.
Related QuestionsHow can loved ones show support?
Quality Health | Anorexia Nervosacopy; 1995-2006, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
Related QuestionsHow can my loved ones prepare?
Organ Transplant, SVCMC; New York NYThere are many ways your loved ones can provide you with support during and after your organ transplant. It may be helpful to have at least one support person stay at the transplant center with you during and after your surgery. Before your transplant, this person can talk with the transplant coordinator to arrange for lodging while you are in the hospital.
Related QuestionsMy doctor says a brain tumor is not cancer. Is that true?
Brain Tumor Guide: FAQTechnically, yes. A tumor is cancerous if it will spread, or metastasize, beyond it's original site to other parts of the body. Primary brain tumors rarely, if ever, spread outside the brain, so they are not technically cancer. However, psychologically and practically, brain tumors are a lot like cancerous tumors.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
Vanderbilt Brain Tumor Center - Frequently Asked QuestionsBrain tumors can sometimes cause seizures. Often a seizure is the first symptom of a brain tumor. Because brain tumors can occur anywhere within the brain ? the symptoms depend on the location of the tumor. For example, a tumor that pushes against the optic or visual nerve may cause loss of vision. A tumor growing in the language centers of the brain may lead to trouble with speaking or understanding language.
Related QuestionsBrain Tumor FAQThe most common symptoms include headaches, which can be most severe in the morning; nausea or vomiting, which can be most severe in the morning; seizures or convulsions; difficulty thinking, speaking, or finding words; personality changes; weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body; loss of balance; vision changes; confusion and disorientation; and memory loss. Different parts of the brain control different functions, so symptoms will vary depending on the tumor’s location.Related Questions
Is a brain tumor cancer?
Brain Tumor FAQSome brain tumors are cancerous and some are not. Malignant tumors are considered cancer. Two of the most common forms of brain cancer are metastatic brain tumors (brain metastases) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Brain cancer cells mutate and lose their normal form or structure. This is called anaplasia. The degree of anaplasia helps to forecast a tumor's growth potential. The most rapidly growing tumors have the highest degree of anaplasia. Benign tumors are not considered cancer.
Related QuestionsHow is a brain tumor treated?
Brain Tumor FAQThe standard treatments for brain tumors are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In general, radiation and chemotherapy treatments are used as secondary or adjuvant treatments for tumors that cannot be managed using only surgery. However, radiation and chemotherapy may be used without surgery if the tumor is inoperable.
Related QuestionsFAQ, Richmond Brain Tumor Support GroupA tumor develops when the body’s cells multiply when they are not needed. A brain tumor is a mass of unnecessary or abnormal cells that grow in the brain.Related Questions
What is the difference between a primary brain tumor and a metastatic (secondary) brain tumor?
Brain Tumor FAQPrimary brain tumors originate in the brain itself. Primary brain tumors do not spread from the brain to other parts of the body, except in rare cases. Pathologists classify primary brain tumors into two groups: glial tumors (gliomas), and non-glial tumors. Gliomas are composed of glial cells, which include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, Schwann cells, microglia, and satellite cells.
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