Brain Tumors: Primary

Description

Alternative Names

Prognosis

Currently estimated 13,100 people die from malignant brain tumors a year.Recent advances in surgical and radiation treatments have significantly extended average survival times and can reduce the size and progression of malignant gliomas. In general, survival rates are highest in younger people and lowest in the elderly.

In general, studies are reporting that patients who survive the first two years after a diagnosis of a brain tumor have at least a 70% chance of surviving for at least five years. The best progress over the recent decades has been made specifically in the following:

• Medulloblastomas in both children and adults. Long-term survival rates are now about 60% in children after treatment for medulloblastomas, the most common malignant brain tumor in this age group. (New treatments, however, may significantly improve these rates.)
• Nonmalignant astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults.

Unfortunately, the majority of primary brain tumors, notably anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme, are only rarely curable.

Specific Effects of Tumors on Function

The specific effects of tumors on the brain can causes seizures, mental changes, and mood, personality, and emotional changes. Such effects can be devastating to the patient and the caregivers. A number of treatments are available that help alleviate these complications, and patients and family members should discuss these with their physician.