Brain+Cancer+Sandbox

Raw Information: The symptoms of brain tumors vary greatly depending on two factors: where in the brain the tumor is located and the size of the mass. The brain is extremely delicate and complex - a very small tumor can greatly affect the body. The severity of a symptom, however, does not give insight to whether the tumor is large or small. Brain tumors can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). A malignant brain tumor in a child is a rare event. Aside from leukemia and lymphoma, childhood brain cancer is one of the most common childhood malignant diseases. 

**Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Children**
Headaches. Headaches can be a common symptom of a brain tumor. While a headache in a child is most likely due to a much less serious condition, chronic headaches should not be ignored. Headaches related to brain tumors typically become more frequent and increase in severity over time. They often awaken a child while they are sleeping and are not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Take careful note of headaches that worsen while sneezing or coughing, and also those that worsen when bending over or laying down. Headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms. Seizures. Like headaches, seizures are much more likely to be related to another condition - and not a brain tumor. However, up to half of people with brain tumors have seizures. Seizure can be very mild and cause jerky movements to more severe reactions, like loss of consciousness. If you suspect your child may have had a seizure, seek medical attention immediately. Increased Sleep and Fatigue A child who begins to sleep more or does not participate in playing or other activities because of fatigue should be evaluated by a physician. Many things can cause a child to sleep more or become frequently tired, not just brain tumors. Sleeping longer and more frequently can be a symptom of a brain tumor, however it is often accompanied by other symptoms. Cognitive Decline. If you notice your child suddenly has problems remembering things or is having trouble concentrating, you should report this to his or her pediatrician as soon as possible. This symptom is a sometimes more recognizable is children who are of school age. Suddenly, it takes these children longer to complete tasks than it normally would. In smaller children, an example would be a child playing with a toy, but taking longer to interact with it as it should - like with Legos or shape sorters. It is the slower processing speed of the brain that raises a red flag for a neurological condition to physicians. These symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually worsen. Personality Changes. Personality changes often don't signal the thought of a brain tumor to parents, but they can to a pediatrician in some circumstances. Personality changes are much more likely related to a response to an event, not a brain tumor. However, some children with brain tumors so display changes in their personality. You may notice your child laughs at things they should not find funny or become angry suddenly with outbursts/tantrums. Normal personality traits may also become exaggerated. Speech Changes. Speech changes in relation to brain tumors can can include a wide array of changes. Slurring of the words or slow speech can occur. A child with a brain tumor may say things that make very little sense, despite efforts to communicate with the correct words. Physical changes A child with a brain tumor may experience weakness on one side of the body. He may become suddenly "clumsy" losing balance or walking to walls or stumbling. An abnormal gait may also be present. Coordinated movements may become difficult. Sources: American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Brain / CNS Tumors in Children. May 13, 2009. __@http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BrainCNSTumorsinAdults/DetailedGuide/brain-and-spinal-cord-tumors-in-adults-detection __ B. C. Reulecke, C. G. Erker, B. J. Fiedler, T.-U. Niederstadt, and G. Kurlemann Brain Tumors in Children: Initial Symptoms and Their Influence on the Time Span Between Symptom Onset and Diagnosis J Child Neurol, February 1, 2008; 23(2): 178 - 183. D. W. Lewis, S. Ashwal, G. Dahl, D. Dorbad, D. Hirtz, A. Prensky, and I. Jarjour Practice parameter: Evaluation of children and adolescents with recurrent headaches: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society Neurology, August 27, 2002; 59(4): 490 - 498. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Brain and Spinal Tumors Information Page. August 3, 2009. __http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brainandspinaltumors/brainandspi __ __

 ===**Diagnosis** === A neurological exam is usually the first test given when a patient complains of symptoms that suggest a brain tumor. The exam includes checking eye movements, hearing, sensation, muscle movement, sense of smell, and balance and coordination. The doctor will also test mental state and memory. ===**IMAGING TECHNIQUES** === Advanced imaging techniques have dramatically improved the diagnosis of brain tumors. //Magnetic Resonance Imaging.// Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard crucial step for diagnosing a brain tumor. It provides pictures from various angles that can help doctors to construct a three-dimensional image of the tumor. It gives a clear picture of tumors near bones, smaller tumors, brain stem tumors, and low-grade tumors. MRI is also useful during surgery to show tumor bulk, for accurately mapping the brain, and for detecting response to therapy. <span style="color: #808080; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 5px;">An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain creates a detailed image of the complex structures in the brain. An MRI creates a three-dimensional picture of the brain, which allows doctors to more precisely locate problems such as tumors or aneurysms. <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">//Computed Tomography.// Computed tomography (CT) uses a sophisticated x-ray machine and a computer to create a detailed picture of the body's tissues and structures. It is not as sensitive as an MRI in detecting small tumors, brain stem tumors, and low-grade tumors. It is useful in certain situations, however. Often, doctors will inject the patient with a contrast material to make it easier to see abnormal tissues. A CT scan helps locate the tumor and can sometimes help determine its type. It can also help detect swelling, bleeding, and associated conditions. In addition, computed tomography is used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and watch for tumor recurrence. <span style="clear: both; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; text-align: left; width: 385px;"><span style="color: #004276; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="background-position: 0% 12px; color: #004276; float: right; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-decoration: none; width: 275px;">[|Click the icon to see an image of a CT scan of the brain.] <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">//Positron Emission Tomography.// Positron emission tomography (PET) provides a picture of the brain's activity rather than its structure by tracking a sugar that has been labeled with a radioactive tracer. It is sometimes able to distinguish between recurrent tumor cells and dead cells or scar tissue caused by radiation therapy PET is not routinely used for diagnosis, but it may supplement MRIs to help determine tumor grade after a diagnosis. Data from PET may also help improve the accuracy of newer radiosurgery techniques. PET scans are often done along with a CT scan. //Other Imaging Techniques.// Numerous other advanced or investigational imaging techniques include: <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ===<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">**LUMBAR PUNCTURE (SPINAL TAP)** === <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">A lumbar puncture is used to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which is examined for the presence of tumor cells. Spinal fluid may also be examined for the presence of certain tumor markers (substances that indicate the presence of a tumor). However, most primary brain tumors do not currently have identified tumor markers. <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should generally be performed before a lumbar procedure to make sure that the procedure can be performed safely. <span style="clear: both; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; text-align: left; width: 385px;"><span style="color: #004276; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="background-position: 0% 12px; color: #004276; float: right; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-decoration: none; width: 275px;">[|Click the icon to see an image of a lumbar puncture.] <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ===<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">**BIOPSY** === <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the suspected tumor and examined under a microscope for malignancy. The results of the biopsy also provide information on the cancer cell type. Biopsies may be performed as part of surgery to remove a tumor, or as a separate diagnostic procedure. <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">In some cases, such as with brain stem gliomas, a standard biopsy might be too hazardous because removing any healthy tissue from this area can affect vital functions. In these cases, surgeons can use alternative techniques such as needle biopsy and stereotaxic biopsy. Stereotaxic biopsy is computer-directed type of needle biopsy that uses images provided from MRI or CT scans to provide precise information on the tumorâ€™s location.
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) is similar to PET but is not as effective in distinguishing tumor cells from destroyed tissue after treatments. It may be used after CT or MRI to help distinguish between low-grade and high-grade tumors.
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Magnetoencephalography (MEG) scans measure the magnetic fields created by nerve cells as they produce electrical currents. It is used to evaluate functioning in various parts of the brain. However, this procedure is not widely available.
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">MRI angiography evaluates blood flow. MRI angiography is usually limited to planning surgical removal of a tumor suspected of having a large blood supply.

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<span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ==<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; clear: both; color: #3f4450; font-family: proxima-nova-1,proxima-nova-2,Arial; font-size: 1.8em; line-height: 1.27em; margin: 8px 40px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 42px; padding-top: 25px;">**Brain Tumor Treatment Options** == ===<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial; font-family: proxima-nova-1,proxima-nova-2,Arial; font-size: 1.4em !important; font-weight: bold !important; line-height: 1.27em; margin: 8px 0px 0px 20px; padding-bottom: 10px !important; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;">Surgery === <span style="color: #3f4450; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px;">If your child has a brain tumor, your child's doctors may suggest surgery. Most children who have a brain tumor have surgery. <span style="color: #3f4450; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">The first surgery your child has may be a biopsy. In a biopsy, doctors take out a small sample of cells from the tumor to check for cancer. If they can, doctors may try to remove most of tumor when they are doing the biopsy. Doctors often need to do surgery after the biopsy to remove the tumor. Doctors can sometimes remove a tumor completely. This depends on the type of tumor and where it is. After surgery, if the tumor is cancer, doctors may use chemotherapy and radiation to kill any cancer cells that may be left in the child's body. Their goal is to prevent the tumor from coming back. In some cases, doctors cannot remove a tumor because of where it is, your child's overall health or other factors. In that case, your child may have chemotherapy or radiation or both. Not all brain tumors require chemotherapy or radiation, even if doctors cannot remove the whole tumor. Neurosurgeons at Seattle Children's perform surgery for our childhood brain tumor patients. Learn more about [|Neurosurgery at Children's]. <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ===<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial; font-family: proxima-nova-1,proxima-nova-2,Arial; font-size: 1.4em !important; font-weight: bold !important; line-height: 1.27em; margin: 8px 0px 0px 20px; padding-bottom: 10px !important; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;">Chemotherapy === <span style="color: #3f4450; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px;">Chemotherapy means giving medicines that go throughout your child's body to kill cancer cells. Your child's doctors may suggest chemotherapy as your child's main treatment or along with surgery or radiation. <span style="color: #3f4450; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">Children can get chemotherapy, or anti-cancer medicines, through a vein or in some cases by mouth. These medicines spread around the body through the bloodstream. They can help kill cancer cells that are in the brain as well as those that may have spread to other sites. Researchers are looking for ways to use chemotherapy for treating brain tumors in children to reduce the need for radiation. They are looking for the best mixes of chemotherapy medicines, and they are testing new medicines to see if they work and are safe. Our childhood brain tumor patients receive chemotherapy at our [|hospital main campus in Seattle] – most often during a stay in the hospital (as inpatients), but sometimes in a clinic (as outpatients). <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ===<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial; font-family: proxima-nova-1,proxima-nova-2,Arial; font-size: 1.4em !important; font-weight: bold !important; line-height: 1.27em; margin: 8px 0px 0px 20px; padding-bottom: 10px !important; padding-left: 40px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;">Radiation === <span style="color: #3f4450; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px;">Your child's doctors may suggest treating a brain tumor with radiation, perhaps along with surgery or chemotherapy. <span style="color: #3f4450; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors. Most children with a brain tumor receive external radiation. A machine outside the body sends a dose of radiation through the outer structures, such as the skin and the skull, into deeper areas of the body. For brain tumors, doctors may direct radiation at a certain area of the brain and at the spinal cord. Doctors may use stereotactic radiosurgery, also called gamma knife therapy, in children with brain tumors. Despite the "knife" in the name, there is no cutting. First, doctors pinpoint the site of the tumor using a CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Then they attach a frame to the child's skull and use it to direct the radiation in a very focused manner. This way, healthy brain tissue gets less radiation. Radiation can cause unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, sore throat or mild skin burning, or long-term problems, such as infertility or second cancers. Radiation also can affect the way a child develops. Researchers are looking for ways to give it in smaller doses while still killing the cells that pose a threat. They are also looking for ways to delay the use of radiation in young children, especially those younger than 3 years old. For example, they may give chemotherapy first or limit the amount of radiation they give. Our patients receive radiation through our partner [|UW Medicine]. Learn more about [|Children's Radiation Therapy Service]. <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ==<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; clear: both; color: #3f4450; font-family: proxima-nova-1,proxima-nova-2,Arial; font-size: 1.8em; line-height: 1.27em; margin: 8px 40px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 42px; padding-top: 25px;">**New Treatments for Brain Tumors** == <span style="color: #3f4450; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px;">Children's belongs to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium and the Children's Oncology Group. <span style="color: #3f4450; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">Through these groups, we take part in research of new medicines and other treatments, new methods to deliver treatment and new ways to use radiation for children with brain tumors. The consortium also researches better ways to check the effects of treatments on tumors. This includes better imaging methods so doctors have a clearer view of how tumors change during treatment. Read more about the treatments and services we offer in our [|Brain Tumor Clinic]. Most of our patients with brain tumors take part in [|clinical trials]. These research studies give children the chance to get the very latest treatment options being studied - options that are not offered at all treatment centers. Your child's doctor will talk with you in detail about any new treatment that might be a match for your child. Then you can decide whether you want to try this option. Read more about [|research] at Children's and about [|follow-up after treatment] ends. _

<span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ===<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: none;">**Surgery** === <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">Surgery is usually the first step in treating most brain tumors. In some cases, however, such as most brain stem gliomas and other tumors located deep inside the brain, it may be too dangerous to perform surgery. The objective of most brain tumor surgeries is to remove or reduce as much of the tumor's bulk as possible. By reducing the tumor's size, other therapies, particularly radiotherapy, can be more effective. ===<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">**CRANIOTOMY** === <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">The standard surgical procedure is called craniotomy. <span style="clear: both; display: block; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2em; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 385px;"><span style="color: #004276; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="background-position: 0% 11px; color: #004276; float: right; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-decoration: none; width: 275px;">[|**SLIDE SHOW:**Craniotomy - series] <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">There are various surgical options for breaking down and removing the tumor. They include: <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">Relatively benign, grade I gliomas may be treated only by surgery. Most malignant tumors require additional treatments, including repeat surgery. <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">Imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, are used along with surgery to help map the area of the tumor in the brain. The neurosurgeon's skill in removing the tumor as completely as possible is critical to survival. No one should be shy about asking the surgeon the number of similar procedures they have performed. (Asking for complication rates may not be useful, since a very experienced surgeon might operate on many high-risk patients.) <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 1.5em 351px 1.5em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;"> ===<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">**SHUNT PLACEMENT** === <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">Sometimes a brain tumor can create blockage and cerebrospinal fluid accumulates excessively in the skull, causing increased intracranial pressure. In these cases, a surgeon may implant a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP) to help drain the fluid. The procedure involves placing a thin catheter into a brain ventricle and connecting it to a catheter that is tunneled into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. A pump that controls the flow of fluid is attached to both catheters. ===<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 5px 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 3px; text-transform: uppercase;">**RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF SURGERY** === <span style="clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.35em; margin: 3px 0px 5px;">The most serious concern of brain surgery is preserving brain function. Surgeons will try to be conservative in their approach so as to limit removing tissue that may cause a loss of function. Bleeding and blood clots are other complications. (The blood-thinning drug heparin may be given at the time of surgery to prevent blood clots.) Postsurgical complications include swelling in the brain, which is typically treated with corticosteroid drugs. <span style="color: #3f4450; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.41em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; width: 930px;">_
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The neurosurgeon removes a piece of skull bone to expose the area of brain over the tumor.
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The tumor is located and then removed.
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Standard surgical procedures
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Laser microsurgery (which produces great heat and vaporizes tumor cells)
 * <span style="background-position: 0px 0.45em; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ultrasonic aspiration (which uses ultrasound to break the glioma tumor into small pieces, which are then suctioned out)

Types of Brain Cancers