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agents can be delivered through the artery or even into the tumor itself. To deliver chemotherapy to the tumor itself, small wafers are usually placed into the tumor resection bed at the time of surgery if the pathologist is reasonably sure that the mass is a high-grade astrocytoma. Other considerations in chemotherapy are the use of hormone regulating drugs, immunological drugs, gene therapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy. No matter what type of therapy is utilized, surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, for each type of tumor and each grade of tumor, treatment will be a decision between the patient, the family and the brain tumor team consisting of the neurosurgeon, oncologist and radiation oncologist.
There are also experimental studies and treatments. These treatments are not meant for everyone and at times can even complicate your care. You may not even qualify for some treatments, and those that you do qualify for may be in other areas of the country. We can provide you with information on these studies.
SUPPORT GROUPS
The physicians are only a small portion of the treatment group. Nowadays with technology we can treat the disease. However, the most important part is still the patient. The patient consists of more than the tumor and the surrounding body. A brain tumor changes a person's life. With the tumor itself or with the treatment there may be strokes and changes of the mind. As the treatment group, we look into all aspects of the person. We have nutritionalists to help with types of food that might be better for cancer and consistency of food to help with swallowing. Physical therapists and doctors specializing in rehabilitation help the patient in their normal activities of daily living. Pain specialists are available to help patients deal with the pain that only sometimes accompanies brain tumors. Social service people can assist in living conditions for both the patient and the family. A large plus is also the patient support groups. These are groups of patient who meet once a month to help each other. A brain tumor changes your life; you don't have to face it alone.
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