Question 1

any new meds or treatments for astrocytic brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trials: There are several new meds that are in clinical trials for the highest grade astrocytic brain tumors (gbm). The rtog groups run several clinical trials testing out different medications. There are also some multicenter trials for vaccines against the gbm. Finally, novocure is a recently fda approved option for the treatment of recurrent high grade astrocytic tumors. It uses electric field therapy.

Question 2

are there different kinds of brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many!: There are numerous types of primary brain tumors. Som arise from various cells of the brain , eg Astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, medulloblastoma, pituitary Adenomas, hemangioblastoma, to name a few.  Other tumors arise from the covering of the brain (meningioma, hemangiopericytoma).  Some tumors start  elsewhere but end up in the brain (leukemia, metastatic carcinoma).  All are very different!

Question 3

could you give me all types of brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Many classifications: Like other cancers, brain tumors represent a wide cross-section of abnormal cell proliferation. Different professional organizations classify brain tumors. Some references: http://apps.who.int/bookorders/anglais/detart1.jsp?codcol=70&amp;codcch=4001 , http://www.aans.org/en/Media/Fact%20Sheets/Classification%20of%20Brain%20Tumors.aspx , http://www.soc-neuro-onc.org/cancerinnervoussystem/

Question 4

what are the different types of brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Too many: link for information

http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/

Question 5

are brain tumors hereditary, if not, what causes them?

Accepted Answer

Generally not: Brain tumor are usually not hereditary. However, there are certain syndromes where there is a well known genetic link.  In such situations, because the patient's inherit the genetic problem, they also inherit the increased risk for brain tumors.For example, li-fraumeni syndrome, or neurofibromatosis i are examples of syndromes where there is an increased risk of brain tumors amongst family members.

Question 6

are brain tumors curable?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Depending on the type of tumor and location, brain tumors can be treatable and/or curable, but often the treatment is difficult and true cure is not attained. Typical treatment involves some combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Question 7

are all brain tumors fatal?

Accepted Answer

No, very variable: While some brain tumors are extremely dangerous, others are often quite benign and do not require removal unless they are causing symptoms.

Question 8

how is a brain tumor formed?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal cell growth: All tumors are formed from cells that do not follow the rules - they grow faster/differently than they should, not controlled by local and systemic chemical signals.  There are many different types of brain tumors - some very slow growing over decades that cause no problems but may "push" the brain a little.  But others grow very fast, damaging or "crushing" normal brain next to them.

Question 9

is brain tumors in your head?

Accepted Answer

Brain tumor: Very rare to have brain tumors but yes in the head, rarely a tumor located in the back could extend down to spinal cord, then it would be outside.

Question 10

how is a brain tumor treated?

Accepted Answer

It depends on type: Treatment is different depending on the the type of brain tumor.
Benign brain tumors like meningioma may be treated surgically or by radiosurgery or a combination of above.

Malignant high grad primary brain tumors are typically treated by maximal safe resection followed by chemoradiation.

Metastatic brain tumors are treated surgically or by radiation, radiosurgery or a combination of above.

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Doctor answers about:

Astrocytic brain tumors

A member asked:

Any new meds or treatments for astrocytic brain tumors?

A member asked:

Are there different kinds of brain tumors?

A member asked:

Could you give me all types of brain tumors?

A member asked:

What are the different types of brain tumors?

A member asked:

Are brain tumors hereditary, if not, what causes them?

A member asked:

Are brain tumors curable?

A member asked:

Are all brain tumors fatal?

A member asked:

How is a brain tumor formed?

A member asked:

Is brain tumors in your head?

A member asked:

How is a brain tumor treated?

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