Brain Stem Glioma Treatment

Brain stem glioma treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or cerebrospinal fluid diversion. The type of brain stem glioma treatment a doctor recommends depends on the type of tumor, its size and location, whether the tumor has spread, and the patient's age and general health. Brain stem glioma treatment can also be used to control pain and manage side effects.

 

Brain Stem Glioma Treatment: An Overview

Brain stem glioma treatment options vary based on:
 
  • The type of brain stem glioma
  • The size and location of the tumor
  • Whether the tumor has spread
  • The patient's age and general health.
     
In general, brain stem glioma treatment options include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cerebrospinal fluid diversion.
     
Your doctor can describe your child's brain stem glioma treatment choices and the expected results of each. Parents of children with brain stem glioma should work with their child's doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets your child's medical needs and your family's personal values. Choosing brain stem glioma treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
 

Healthcare Providers Involved in Brain Stem Glioma Treatment

There are usually several healthcare providers involved in a person's brain stem glioma treatment. For children, a pediatric oncologist will oversee care. The doctor may refer patients to doctors who specialize in treating brain stem glioma, or patients may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat brain stem glioma include:
 
  • Neurosurgeon
  • Neurologist
  • Neuropathologist
  • Neuroradiologist
  • Rehabilitation specialist
  • Medical oncologist
  • Radiation oncologist
  • Endocrinologist
  • Psychologist.
     
Children with brain stem glioma may also need tutors to help with schoolwork.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD