Primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies begin in the brain or spinal cord. About 24,000 people are diagnosed with primary CNS cancer every year. After obtaining a brain tumor diagnosis, finding the Best Brain Tumor Doctor In Pasadena who specializes in treating such tumors may help ease your mind while considering your treatment options.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for brain tumors because it allows for a definitive diagnosis and the removal of as much of the tumor as is safely feasible. For the removal of tumors from delicate areas of the brain and brain stem, as well as for the removal of rare malignancies, the Best Brain Tumors Doctor In Pasadena should be consulted. Specialist neurosurgeons from Mulholland Brain and Spine may refer patients to their peers if they feel additional treatment is required.
Some inquiries to ask a neurosurgeon are:
- Do you deal with malignancies of the brain and spinal cord?
- Do you have experience with tumors like mine? Do you have the most expertise in treating diseases such as rare brain or spine tumors in this area?
- How many people per year do you treat who have the same kind of tumor?
- I would like to know whether I may consult with your other neurosurgeons.
- If I wanted a second opinion, who should I talk to?
Pathology
A definitive brain cancer diagnosis is essential for deciding the best treatment plan for a given patient. A neuropathologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing brain and spinal cord tumors via examining tissue samples. First, a neuropathologist will examine the tumor under a microscope to determine the changes that have occurred. After that, Best Brain Tumors Doctor In Pasadena uses cutting-edge molecular technology to more precisely identify the brain tumor to help each patient determine the best course of treatment.
Get your diagnosis by asking your doctor the following questions:
- How come I’m dealing with this illness?
- Does this diagnosis happen frequently?
- When possible, may we consult someone who has experienced what I am going through with my diagnosis?
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a method of treating cancer that involves using drugs to either directly destroy cancer cells or stop their proliferation. Chemotherapy is an option that may be advised before or after surgery, depending on the kind and severity of the brain tumor. Learn more about the brain tumor treatment options authorized by the FDA.
Questions to ask about your treatment plan with your doctor
- What kind of treatment options are there, if any?
- Generally, how long does treatment for my specific kind of tumor last?
- Do any clinical studies that target my kind of tumor currently exist?
- In what ways does each potential remedy fall short?
A Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, a cancer treatment, is often utilized to manage brain tumors. It uses intense laser light to attack cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors. Cancer patients needing radiation treatment for their brains may benefit from pencil beam technology. A concentrated proton beam destroys tumor cells without harming the healthy tissue around them. The Best Brain Tumors Doctor In Pasadena is used to treat tumors near vital organs, including the brain stem.
Questions to ask your doctor regarding the treatment plan further:
- To what extent does this treatment go?
- Can you describe the common negative effects of the therapy?
- Is there any evidence that the treatment improves outcomes over the long term?
- What facility will be responsible for my healthcare needs?
Clinical Investigations
Certain clinical studies examine a new medication or treatment. Such studies are known as clinical trials. New drugs aren’t evaluated in other types of clinical studies. Their primary purpose is to collect information on a certain disease. Clinical trials culminate in a long process that begins in the lab but involves real people. Scientists invest a lot of time and energy into investigating a new treatment’s efficacy in the laboratory and on animals before it can be used on people. The team also investigates any unintended outcomes.
Procedures for Inquiring About Clinical Trials
- To what end is this trial being conducted?
- Where are we in terms of the clinical trial?
- How does the treatment being tested in a clinical setting compare to the current care standard?