FAQs About Radiation Treatment for Brain Tumors
Q: How is radiation used for the treatment of brain tumors?
Radiation damages cancer cells and inhibits their ability to reproduce. For some patients, whole-head radiation may be used to treat multiple tumors at once. This treatment may be followed by radiosurgery to target specific tumors, if appropriate. Radiation therapy or radiosurgery may also be used following conventional surgery to remove a tumor in order to destroy any remaining cancer cells outside the primary tumor site. You and your treatment team will discuss your options and what type of radiation might be appropriate for your particular case.
Q: What are the side effects of radiation treatment for brain tumors?
Some patients experience minor side effects from brain radiation, such as fatigue or skin irritation of the scalp. These side effects typically subside after treatment ends. Whole-brain radiation may also cause some short-term memory loss and difficulty thinking. Other side effects that may occur are radiation necrosis (build-up of scar tissue), hair loss, muffled hearing and other neurological issues, depending on which area of the brain is treated. These side effects may be temporary, or in some rare cases are permanent. Talk to your radiation oncologist about what side effects you might experience during and after treatment.
Q: Is radiation treatment painful?
Similar to an x-ray, radiation beams are not visible and you cannot feel them. You will not see the beam when it leaves the gantry, and most patients do not feel anything during treatment. Some patients treated for brain tumors express difficulty adjusting to the immobilizing face-mask, but over time find that it becomes easier. Your treatment team will help to make you comfortable for each session, and you can always speak to them (via microphones in the treatment room) if you are uncomfortable. Some patients do experience painful skin irritation as a result of the radiation post-treatment. If you do, your team can provide ointments to take care of your skin.
Q: What happens after treatment ends?
After your treatment has ended, your doctor will recommend a schedule for periodic checkups to monitor the results. Typically, checkups are scheduled at six-month intervals. If symptoms or clinical circumstances suggest a recurrence, diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs, chest x-ray (CXR), or a bone scan may be needed.
For more FAQs, see Radiation Therapy FAQs.
