Astrocytoma medical therapy
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Astrocytoma Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Study |
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Astrocytoma medical therapy On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Astrocytoma medical therapy |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Astrocytoma medical therapy |
Overview
Medical Therapy
- Treatment depends on the size and type of tumor and the child's general health. The goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or the child's comfort.
- Surgery is needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used for certain tumors.
- The following are treatments for specific types of tumors:
- Astrocytoma: Surgery to remove the tumor is the main treatment. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may also be necessary.
- Medicines used to treat primary brain tumors in children include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling
- Diuretics (water pills) to reduce brain swelling and pressure
- Anticonvulsants to reduce or prevent seizures
- Pain medicines
- Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other such steps may be required to improve quality of life.* Despite decades of therapeutic research, curative intervention is still nonexistent for high grade astrocytomas; patient care ultimately focuses on palliative management.