Treatment varies with the size and type of the tumor, the initial site of the tumor and the general health of the person. The goals of treatment may be relief of symptoms, improved functioning, or comfort. Surgery may be used for metastatic brain tumors when there is a single lesion in some cancers and when there is no cancer elsewhere in the body. Some may be completely excised (removed). Tumors that are deep or that infiltrate brain tissue may be debulked (removal of much of the mass of the tumor to reduce its size). Surgery may reduce intracranial pressure and relieve symptoms in cases when the tumor cannot be removed. Radiation therapy may be advised for tumors that are sensitive to radiation. Medications may include the following: - Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce swelling of the brain
- Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin to reduce seizures
- Analgesics to control pain
- Antacids or antihistamines to control stress ulcers
- Chemotherapy
When multiple metastases (widespread cancer) are discovered, treatment may focus primarily on relief of pain and other symptoms.
Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions may improve the quality of life. Legal advice may be helpful in forming advanced directives, such as power of attorney, in cases where continued physical or intellectual decline is likely.
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