Skull Base Tumors: Treatment Options

Head and neck tumors touching or even extending through the skull base require intervention by a multidisciplinary team of skull base surgeons, head and neck surgeons, neuroradiologists, and oncologists. Many tumors previously considered inoperable can now be treated using endoscopic and microsurgical techniques, which markedly reduce mortality and morbidity rates. Tumors forming in the orbit, paranasal sinuses, and base of the skull on which the brain sits, rest in sensitive areas that demand expertise and skill to avoid serious damage and disfiguring scars.

Generally, surgery poses the greatest benefits for patients with skull base tumors, especially for benign lesions. Often, physicians treat malignant tumors with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Radiation, including radiosurgery or brachytherapy, helps preserve a patient's basic mental and motor functions over longer intervals than does standard radiotherapy. Physicians generally reserve chemotherapy for patients with inoperable tumors. Many postoperative patients require a period of rehabilitation therapy due to the sensitive nature of these tumors.

Serious skull base cancers often necessitate surgical removal, but the presence of critical neurovascular structures often limits surgical options. Specialized surgeons must identify and preserve these vital structures and often embrace multiple surgical approaches, such as transcranial-subtemporal, transochlear, anterior transpetrosal, tranmaxillary, and postauricular incisions. Should surgery prove initially impossible, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy may allow a surgeon to intervene at a later time.

Skull Base Tumors: Treatment Options

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Research Offers Hope for Better Treatments of Pediatric Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer

Pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer, while rare, are considered to be the deadliest of all childhood cancers. While the incidence rate may be relatively low, with approximately 3,400 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, the mortality rate of children with these types of cancers is significantly higher than other childhood cancers and diseases. Roughly one-third of these kids will not survive beyond five years.

However, it is encouraging to note that, as a result of advancements in research and treatment methods, there have been noticeable decreases in overall cancer death rates since the early 1990s, with an estimated 25,000 survivors currently living in the U.S. Although "survivorship" for these kids comes with its own lingering effects, such as cognitive damage, physical challenges and social isolation, the research that is taking place today will hopefully, someday help to minimize these effects, and allow these survivors to live longer, healthier lives.

Hope for the children and families who face this dreadful disease comes from the tireless efforts of many non-profit organizations, research foundations, hospitals and other pediatric medical institutions who are dedicated to finding the cause, and ultimately, the cure for this deadly invader of children. A few of the more notable milestones of late include:

• The creation of a tissue bank consortium, a collaborative initiative involving the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation and a group of researchers at several leading pediatric oncology hospitals nationwide. The bank will enable researchers to obtain samples of brain tumor tissue that can be characterized, analyzed and used to evaluate treatments. The results can then be documented in a database that can be shared with pediatric cancer facilities across the country.
• The publishing of a landmark study of medulloblastoma*, a type of brain tumor typically found in children. The study team found that the number of mutations in pediatric medulloblastoma tumors is five to ten times fewer than in adult medulloblastoma tumors, which suggests that, compared to adult tumors, pediatric tumors may respond better to drugs that target the genes and pathways altered by mutations that drive cancer progression.
Pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors are difficult to diagnose because their signs and symptoms may mimic those of other disorders, and vary according to the exact location of the tumor. Once a diagnosis is made, successful treatment is also difficult because there are so many different kinds of brain tumors and cancers, and their precise causes are unknown.
Research holds the key to quicker, more accurate diagnoses and subsequently, better treatments. While progress is being made on a number of research platforms, it continues to be challenging for several reasons:
• There are many different kinds of children's brain and spinal cord tumors, which has stymied research as investigators face the challenges of collecting and analyzing tissue, as well as the ethical issues posed in treating children.
• Because the disease is rare and tissue samples of tumors are small, it takes time to test and validate new treatment options, and there is currently not an adequate database for recording and sharing this information.
• Doctors and researchers are dealing with a growing child's brain and body, so they must first ensure they avoid harming the child.
• Funds for research and treatment options are limited, due to the relatively low rate of incidence, compared to other childhood cancers and diseases.

Research Offers Hope for Better Treatments of Pediatric Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer
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Pediatric Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer - Funding Is Key for Research and Support

Every day, across America, people are talking about the progress being made in medical research, or the support provided to patients and families affected by a devastating disease or illness. One thing that often gets lost in these conversations is the issue of money. Research can only move forward if there's funding to support it. Nonprofit organizations and other support groups operate primarily from donations; and even fundraising activities require a budget of some sort. None of these can happen without money.

And, somewhere out there, right now, a group of parents is having that very conversation about the deadliest of all childhood cancers-pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer. What's the latest in research? What kind of support is out there for the kids and families? Why isn't more being done, and faster? It is the mission of the nonprofit organizations that support this worthwhile cause to provide answers to these questions, and they understand that the answers come through proper funding.

Research
Research on the causes and cures of pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer is ongoing, but often progresses at a slower rate than desired. There have, however, been some recent successes in this area of research, including the creation of a tissue consortium, and the publishing of a major study of medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor typically found in children. ("The Genetic Landscape of the Childhood Cancer Medulloblastoma"; Science, published online Dec. 16, 2010.)

Support
Through a variety of programs and services, most nonprofit organizations work to meet the needs of these young patients and their families. Services such as support groups and various family events, as well as assistance with a variety of issues relating to care, treatment, and financial aid give these families the sense that they are not alone on this difficult journey.

Awareness and Education
Anyone who owns or operates a business understands the necessity of marketing. Awareness of the product or services offered is critical to the success of that business. Of course, successful marketing requires a sufficient source of funds to "get the word out."
In that sense, nonprofit organizations are no different than any other business. In order to promote awareness of pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer, there must be a solid marketing plan in place. How else will the average person learn that every day, across this country...
• Nine families will learn their child has a brain or spinal cord tumor;
• Three families will mourn the loss of their child to a brain or spinal cord tumor; and
• Six families will transition to survivorship.
Funding for the ongoing research and essential services provided by the nonprofit groups comes primarily from a mix of events, direct response, online fundraising, and major and planned gift solicitation. For the most part, events constitute the predominant source of funds to back these activities.

With adequate funding, progress can continue that will improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outcomes for children with brain and spinal cord tumors.
How does the old saying go? "No gift is too small; no kind gesture goes unnoticed." Contact a nonprofit organization today to find out how you can help in the fight against pediatric brain tumors and brain cancers.
 Pediatric Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer - Funding Is Key for Research and Support

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How To Lower The Risk Of Brain Cancer Recurrence And Secondary Brain Cancer

Conventional therapy can be effective at destroying brain tumor. However, it is a healthy body and immune system that provide ongoing surveillance and destruction of cancer tumor regrowth. An important part of a post-treatment healing program is to support optimal health and to employ brain cancer prevention strategies. These strategies will support the innate healing capacities within each of us. Optimal health rests upon a foundation of healthy eating, adequate exercise, sufficient sleep, and meaningful as well as joyful living.

In addition to food, movement is also healing. Our bodies are meant to move. The research on the importance of exercise in preventing brain cancer and its recurrence is substantial. At minimum, 30 minutes of moderately difficult exercise (brisk walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, dancing, and so on) done every day is associated with a reduced risk of cancer and of dying from cancer. For instance, compared with a man who was inactive both before and after a diagnosis of brain cancer, a man who increased physical activity after diagnosis had a 45 percent lower risk of death, and the man who decreased physical activity after diagnosis had a four-fold greater risk of death.

The idea is to change the environment to be the least hospitable to cancer. We do this with exercise but we also do this with sleep. Sleep is critical to optimal health. Sleep is critical for a well-functioning immune system. In fact, several key anti-cancer immune actions are most active during sleep. Stress reduction is also a big part of the anti-cancer plan. Finding ways to manage stress is of utmost importance. Elevated levels of stress-induced chemicals and hormones unravel immunity, cripple cell repair, and increase the susceptibility of our cells to cancer-causing DNA damage. While we cannot eliminate all the stress in our lives, we can certainly change the way we perceive stress. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and hobbies are just a few ways to create more inner calm and less stress. It is important to make relaxation a part of your daily routine.

The last component of brain cancer prevention plan is an appropriately tailored supplement program. This supplement program should include plant-based antioxidants such as green tea, turmeric, and proanthocyanidins (berries, grapeseed oil, or extracts). It may also include other cancer-preventive compounds such as melatonin, soy isoflavones, flaxseed lignans, essential fatty acids, medicinal mushrooms, and vitamins C, E, and D. Finally, there are nutrients specific to lowering the risk for each cancer type. Implementing a reasonable and appropriate cancer recovery and prevention supplement program is an important part of healing from cancer.

How To Lower The Risk Of Brain Cancer Recurrence And Secondary Brain Cancer

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Different Types of Primary Brain Tumors

Different Types of Primary Brain Cancer Symptoms Awareness Statistics Treatment Facts Therapy
When it comes to brain tumors, the medical profession does not have a standard system to describe the spread of cancer. Primary brain tumors are usually formed in the central nervous system and invariably they do not spread to other parts of the body. In order to treat these tumors, doctors classify they based on the type of cell in which the tumor began, the location of the tumor in the brain and what grade the tumor is.
Here is a list of some of the different types of primary brain tumors that occur in adults:

o Brain Stem Gliomas: This is a type of tumor that forms in the brain stem, which the part that connects the brain to the spinal cord. The tumor is usually high grade, meaning it spreads very quickly and is difficult to cure.
o Pineal Astrocytic Tumor: This type of tumor occurs in or near the pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin hormone which governs our sleeping and waking patterns. This tumor can be of any grade.
o Pilocytic Astrocytoma: This tumor is a grade I tumor and develops in brain cells called astrocytes. The tumor grows slowly and very rarely does it spread to neighboring tissues of the brain. The tumor can be cured and is seen more often in children and young adults.
o Diffuse Astrocytoma: This is another tumor that develops in astrocytes. It grows slowly and has the tendency to spread to the neighboring brain cells. This is a grade II tumor seen mostly in young adults.
o Anaplastic Astrocytoma: This tumor is also called malignant astrocytomas and grows very fast and spreads to the adjacent brain cells. The cancer cells look different from normal cells and is develops mostly by the time a person reaches 40 years of age. This is a grade III brain tumor.
o Glioblastoma: This is one of the most aggressive brain tumors and is categorized as grade IV brain tumor. It is more commonly referred to as glioblastoma multiforme and is usually fatal. It is very difficult to treat and occurs mostly in adults ranging from 45 years to 70 years.

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Brain Cancer Prognosis - Treatment Review

 Brain Cancer Prognosis - Treatment Review symptoms awareness statistics facts Therapy
Can your brain cancer prognosis be improved? Oncologists consider brain cancer to be one of the deadliest cancers, but Karon Beattie, a cancer survivor, has compiled a reference book containing in excess of 350 alternative cancer treatments that thousands of cancer patients have used to overcome their condition, including brain cancer.
Beattie gives accounts of people surviving brain cancer by natural treatments. She states that these treatments are not within the FDA's jurisdiction, resulting in low awareness among doctors.
In one example, Beattie reports that some physicians have used a nutritional supplement to achieve complete remission of aggressive, stage IV cancers that had metastasized.
Specifically in regard to brain cancer, her book, "Natural Cancer Treatments That Work", describes how a British doctor successfully treated a Grade 4 brain tumor with a herbal mixture. The patient is alive two years later, long after oncologists had predicted.

Beattie also details a patient whose brain tumor vanished completely after taking a combination of nutritional supplements known to stop the spread of cancer cells, preventing metastasis. This seems an astonishing outcome for a cancer given a poor prognosis by oncologists.
Further, Beattie gives 131 first-hand accounts of people who beat brain and spinal cord cancers using alternative and natural treatments. If stories like these are factual, why are the treatments not used more widely for brain and other cancers?
According to Beattie, even though the creators of the treatments listed in her book are respected health scientists, few of the treatments have been formally assessed in human clinical trials. Why? There is little financial incentive for drug companies in natural treatments that they cannot patent, yet thousands have successfully used the treatments. Beattie also suggests that many doctors may not know of these treatments because they are only familiar with treatments regulated by the FDA. Many of the alternative treatments she lists involve herbs and vitamins that are beyond the FDA's jurisdiction.
These intriguing accounts will be hard to ignore for cancer sufferers and their loved ones in their efforts to survive cancer and retake their lives.

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Brain Tumor - There is A Cure

Brain Tumor - There is A Cure Symptoms Awareness Statistics Treatment Facts Therapy

To a layman, brain tumor is basically cancer of the brain. Medulloblastoma, ependymoma, glioma, teratoma, atypical teratoid rhadoid tumor, etc, are names associated with different types of brain tumor.
In simple terms, brain tumor is no more than uncontrolled growth of cells forming a lump in the brain. Just like any other form of cancers, brain tumor can spread and proliferate to any other parts of the body. Even before the brain tumor proliferates, or metastasize as a medical doctor or an oncologist would say it, the tumor could wreak havoc in the brain. Our brain, as we know it, controls the rest of the body. Any disturbance up there will affect our normal functioning of the various faculties. Therefore, symptoms of brain tumor really depends on where and how big the tumor is.
This article brings to light a relatively new form of treatment that could bring hope to those afflicted with brain tumor.
The ideal objective of any treatment for brain tumor is total removal of the tumor, without any recurrence and proliferation. The most common treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. Surgery posts the high risks of damaging even a tiny bit of the surrounding structure, tissues or nerves.  Apart from conventional surgery, the newer types of surgery include what is known as stereotactic radiosurgery and gamma knife radiosurgery.  These two forms of surgery are specific, but are still considered ionizing and invasive, respectively. This article shares with the reader a non-surgical, non-ionizing, and non-invasive form of treatment for cancer.
This technology is commercially known as CYTOTRON, or scientifically known as RFQMR or Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance. Cytotron came into the world in 2006 after more than a decade of research and fine-tuning. It is invented by Dr. Rajah Vijay Kumar from Bangalore, India. Dr Kumar is a tissue reengineering scientist. He works with medical doctors and specialist in inventing the Cytotron. This technology was first successfully applied to the treatment of osteoarthritis. For details on this aspect, please refer to my upcoming article 'Osteoarthritis - There Is cure!'.

The layman explanation of Cytotron in cancer treatment is simplified here. The Cytotron uses radio and near radio frequency to beam specifically on the tumor or cancerous area. What Cytotron tries to accomplish is to induce the self-death of the cancer cells. This is known as apoptosis in medical term. In cancer cells, the process of natural death is missing due to some missing process in the cell cycle. With Cytotron, that process of natural death is restored without affecting the neighboring normal cells. With the many cases that had been treated, the MRI results showed objective evidence of the arrest of cancer growth and also the disappearance of the cancer cells.
One of the most amazing successful cases of Cytotron treatment on cancer was a 7 year-old girl from Ipoh of Perak state, Malaysia. This girl, Ying, was detected with brain tumor when her parents noticed she was not able to behave normally and knocked into things around the house. Her brain tumor led to her loss of vision and, if untreated, she was on the brink of death. About one year after the tumor was detected, it had grown from 3 to 4 centimeters, and then, increased by another centimeter in just another 4 months. Then, she was put on a 28 consecutive, 1 hour per day treatment with the Cytotron. During the Cytotron treatment, her condition had already begun to show improvement. 3 months after the treatment, her MRI clearly showed that the brain tumor growth had been successfully arrested. Half a year later, the tumor totally collapsed. Today, at the age of 9 years old, she has gone back to school like other kids.

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