If a brain tumor is cancerous, it is known as a malignant brain tumor. Malignant brain tumors are typically more aggressive and invasive than benign tumors. They can spread to other parts of the brain or to other parts of the body. These tumors can cause serious health complications, including seizures, vision problems, speech difficulties, paralysis, and even death.
Treatment for a cancerous brain tumor typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is often the first option, as it can help to reduce the size of the tumor and remove as much of it as possible. In some cases, the entire tumor may be removed. In other cases, only part of the tumor may be removed.
Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy x-rays to kill the cancer cells. It can be used to shrink the tumor or to prevent the tumor from growing and spreading. Radiation therapy may be used as a primary treatment or as a secondary treatment after surgery.
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment or as a secondary treatment after surgery or radiation therapy. The goal of chemotherapy is to shrink the tumor and reduce the risk of it spreading.
The prognosis for a cancerous brain tumor depends on the type of tumor, the size, and the location, as well as the overall health of the patient. In some cases, the tumor may be completely removed and the patient may make a full recovery. However, in other cases, the tumor may be resistant to treatment, or it may recur after treatment. In such cases, the patient may require ongoing treatment and monitoring.