Treatment options in Zimbabwe

Take Note Of

Treatment options

Treatment options in Zimbabwe generally are modalities are 3 fold:

Surgical

Chemotherapy

Radiation

The main treatments used for brain tumours are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and medication to control symptoms such as seizures. The treatment or combination of treatments advised in each case depends on various factors. For example, the type of brain tumour, the grade of the tumour if it is malignant, the exact site of the tumour, and your general health.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment which uses high-energy beams of radiation which are focused on cancerous tissue. This kills cancer cells or stops cancer cells from multiplying. Radiotherapy is sometimes used instead of surgery when an operation is not possible for a malignant brain tumour. Sometimes it is used in addition to surgery if it is not possible to remove the entire tumour with surgery or to kill cancerous cells which may be left behind following surgery.

Surgery

Surgery is often the main treatment for benign brain tumours. Surgery aims to remove the tumour whilst doing as little damage to the normal brain tissue . Your specialist will advise on whether surgery is a possible option.

Chemotheraphy

Chemotherapy is a treatment which uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells, or stop them from multiplying. It may be used in addition to other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy, again, depending on various factors such as the type of tumour. Not all tumours are operable. The operability of the tumour depends mainly on the location of the tumour concerning the vital parts of the brain, its vascularity, and the presence or absence of metastasis (the tumour spreads to other organs).

Medication to control symptoms

If you have seizures caused by the tumour then anticonvulsant medication will usually control the seizures. Painkillers may be used to ease headaches. Steroid medication is also commonly used to reduce inflammation around a brain tumour. This reduces the pressure inside the skull which helps to ease headaches and other ‘pressure ‘symptoms.

You should have a full discussion with a specialist who knows your case. They will be able to give you pros and cons, likely success rate, possible side- effects, and other details about the possible treatment options for your type of brain tumour.

You should also discuss with your specialist the aims of treatment. For example:

In some cases, treatment aims for the cure. If a benign tumour can be removed by surgery then a cure is likely. The chance of a cure for malignant tumours varies, depending on the type of tumour, grade and other factors such as the location in the brain. (Note: when dealing with malignant tumours, doctors tend to use the word ‘remission ‘rather than ‘cured’. Remission means there is no evidence of cancer following treatment. If you are’ in remission ‘you may be cured. However, in some cases, cancer returns months or years later. This is why doctors are reluctant )
In some cases, treatment aims to control cancer. If a cure is not realistic, with treatment it may be possible to limit the growth or spread of the cancer so that it progresses less rapidly. This may keep you free of symptoms for some time.
In some cases, treatment aims to ease symptoms (“palliative treatment”). For example, if a cancer has advanced then you may require painkillers or other treatments to help keep you free of pain or other symptoms. Some treatments may be used to reduce the size of a cancer which may ease symptoms such as pain.

Zimbabwe Brain Tumour Association (ZBTA) – Achieving Through Hope & Strength