Manifesto To Improve Health Outcomes For People With MS

The MS Society has launched a manifesto in parliament to address the challenges faced by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Campaigners are calling on the next UK government to take action to improve the standard of care for people with MS, and to give them better support for the financial and medical challenges that they face.

The manifesto draws attention to the fact that there are currently almost a quarter of a million people on the neurology waiting list. This is compounded by shortages of appropriately trained and qualified medical staff. 

The manifesto calls for a UK-wide neurological taskforce backed up by adequate investment and support so that people with MS can access the right treatments at the right time, helping to improve their quality of life. It also calls for better mental health support for those living with MS to help them cope with the distress and uncertainty they are facing.

Previous calls to reform the benefit system are also reinforced, as presently it can be complex to navigate and some people with MS may be denied fair access. It can also be difficult for people with MS to transition into employment, even if they are fit to do so, because of benefit rules and discrimination by employers.

This can leave people facing stressful financial difficulties at a time when they may have to find extra money for prescriptions and non-NHS services, such as physiotherapy or adaptations to their home or vehicle. 

Furthermore, the adult social care system that many people rely on for support with the activities of daily living is severely affected by staff shortages and underfunding. This can leave people living with MS in their own homes without the basic care that they need to survive. Campaigners are calling for decisive action and reforms to the system.

MS is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating of the nerve fibres in the spinal cord, interfering with communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, this can cause permanent damage to the nerves.

There are several types of MS. The most common types are relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS). RRMS is characterised by flare ups of symptoms followed by a period of recovery, and PPMS is a steadily worsening progression of the condition.

Symptoms vary over time and between individuals. The most common symptoms include difficulty mobilising, fatigue, dizziness, tremor, and numbness or weakness of the limbs.  There is cross-party support for the new manifesto, and MPs from several parties attended the launch in the House of Lords. 

Chair of the APPG for MS, Charlotte Nichols MP, said: “The MS Society’s manifesto is full of ideas to address the many challenges facing people living with MS. I was delighted to welcome the MS Society to speak about these issues at the AGM of the APPG for MS this week.”

She added: “Hearing Phoebe share her experience of living with MS was a powerful testimony of why it’s so important to deliver change for people affected bv MS. The MS Society’s manifesto offers insight to MPs and prospective candidates about the policies we can advocate for in parliament to transform the lives of people living with MS.”

“It is a real privilege to work on an issue close to my heart and bring other parliamentarians together to do the same. I was delighted to be re-elected as Chair of the APPG for MS and I look forward to continue championing the issue in parliament.”

Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs, Charlotte Gill, said: MPs now, and in any future parliament, have the opportunity to play a crucial role in transforming the way people with MS are supported to live full lives.”

“We urgently need effective diagnosis and treatment pathways, timely access to life-changing therapies, and well-resourced health and social care to stay well.”

“We also need the financial security that comes with being supported to stay in work that fits our skills and experience for as long as we can. As well as a welfare system that recognises the unique challenges people with MS face and that is set up to support them.”

The manifesto is launched ahead of the anticipated General Election, and also MS Awareness Week from 22-28 April. 

For further information about multiple sclerosis and nerves damage treatment or Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

How Can Brain Tumours Affect Personality And Behaviour?

Unfortunately, personality and behaviour changes are a common symptom of brain tumours. This is caused by the tumour pressing on the surrounding brain cells, and the exact nature of the changes can depend on the size and location of the tumour.

According to the Brain Tumour Charity, personality changes are most likely to occur when the tumour is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, because this contains the areas that regulate our emotions and behaviour. Pituitary gland tumours can cause changes in hormone levels that may also affect behaviour.

The shock and stress of being diagnosed with a brain tumour can also understandably lead to behavioural changes that are out of character for the person, such as depression, lack of motivation, irritability, and anxiety. Sometimes, changes may occur as a result of the treatment for a brain tumour, such as medication or radiotherapy. 

Common symptoms experienced by brain tumour patients include confusion and brain fog, loss of inhibitions or behaving in socially unacceptable ways, low mood and apathy, mood swings, difficulty in planning and organising, and difficulty in recognising emotions in oneself and others. Sometimes, a person may become aggressive or even violent. 

Brainstrust reports that there has been some new research into the correlation between radiation exposure and social cognition in brain tumour patients. The study was carried out by a group of researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York. 

They noted that difficulty in social cognition occurs in up to 83 per cent of patients with brain tumours, but this is an area that has so far not been well studied. Social cognition refers to the process of navigating social interactions, such as interpreting emotions and social cues. 

The research demonstrated that the radiation dose to the amygdala (the part of the brain that processes emotion and memory) was associated with a worse performance on an emotion recognition task. 

The higher the radiation dose, the longer the response time to tasks such as recognising the emotional states on faces expressing six basic emotions including anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. The study involved 51 patients with low-grade and benign brain tumours who were receiving radiotherapy. 

The researchers note that up to 91 per cent of people with brain tumours experience some form of cognitive impairment, and even mild cognitive dysfunction can lead to a worse quality of life. They also note that cancer-directed therapies, including radiotherapies, can cause further cognitive disruption. 

There has been extensive research into understanding and preventing radiation-related cognitive decline, but so far social cognition, which is important for the maintenance of social relationships, has not been widely studied. 

The researchers concluded that using radiation techniques that minimise exposure the amygdala could be helpful in reducing adverse impacts on their social cognition. 

There are various forms of radiotherapy. One of the most advanced techniques is Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery. This involves directing gamma radiation beams through the skull to focus precisely on the tumour, and leave the surrounding healthy brain tissue intact.

The direction of the beams can be computer-controlled for the most accurate focus, and several beams are directed at once from multiple angles. 

Each individual beam is very weak, minimising any damage to the brian, but the cumulative effect of the multiple beams on the target results in an effective radiation dosage. Usually, the procedure does not need to be repeated, unlike some other forms of radiotherapy, and risks of long-term side effects are considered to be very low.

Addressing personality and behaviour changes caused by brain tumours depends on what is causing them. Everyone responds differently to triggers and treatments, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people find that counselling or talking over the situation with trusted friends or family members can be helpful. 

Some people may require medication such as antidepressants or tranquilisers, but this option should always be discussed with the medical team first. Some patients may be referred for a neuropsychological assessment to find out what might be causing the distressing changes.

Self-help techniques, such as taking gentle exercise, eating a healthy and well balanced diet, and making time to rest can make a difference. 

If you would like some further information about brain cancer treatment and Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Neil Kitchen of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

How Is Brain Tumour Awareness Month Being Marked In The UK?

March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month, and 2024 is the 15th anniversary of this annual event. The charity Brain Tumour Research (BTR) is running a programme of activities that are designed to raise awareness and funding for this devastating health condition. Here’s a roundup of events and how you can get involved. 

Wear a Hat Day, 28 March 2024

Thursday 28 March is the official Wear a Hat Day, although you can take part in the event at any time in March. The idea is to bring together friends, family and colleagues for a fundraising event with a hat theme, or to take part in a hattastic challenge, such as running a 5k or even a marathon while wearing your favourite hat. 

However, there is no need to complete a gruelling athletic feat to take part in Wear a Hat Day. You can simply put on your favourite headgear and make a donation to a brain tumour research centre. 

Since the idea was introduced back in 2010 by BTR, Wear a Hat Day events have raised over £2 million. This has been used to fund vital research into brain tumours, which kill more people under 40 than any other cancer. Despite this, just over one per cent of the national cancer research funding is currently spent on brain cancer.

Fundraising events around the UK

If you are interested in running to raise money for brain tumour research, there are dozens of opportunities to take part in marathons, half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, tough mudders, triathlons, and much more, with full listings available on the BTR website. 

There’s even a chance to take part in the 37th annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships! If you think you have what it takes to suit up in a mask and pair of flippers and swim the Waen Rhydd peatbog in Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, mid Wales, then why not give it a go. 

If you are of a less adventurous disposition, there’s still plenty of ways you can get involved, by simply making a donation or a regular gift, or even leaving a legacy to the cause. You can also get involved with BTR’s campaign to raise the profile of brain tumours and influence the government to invest more in research. 

According to BTR, The prevalence of diagnoses and deaths from brain tumours continues to rise, and just 12 per cent of brain tumour patients survive beyond five years of diagnosis. Around 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK.

Brain tumour patients face considerable disruption to their daily lives, and for many it means giving up careers, hobbies, and surrendering their driving licence. The treatment and follow-up monitoring will usually require multiple lengthy hospital visits, often to specialist centres that are some distance from the patient’s home.

This can have a huge emotional and financial impact on patients, who are estimated to lose income worth £11,000 per year, and incur additional costs of almost £4,000. This is compared to an average of £6,840 per year for other cancer patients. 

What are the symptoms of brain tumours?

The symptoms of brain tumours vary depending on the size, type, and location of the tumour. Some of the most common symptoms include frequent or severe headaches that may be worse first thing in the morning; nausea or vomiting; new onset seizures; weakness or numbness; confusion; memory loss and speech difficulties. 

How are brain tumours treated?

The treatment of a brain tumour will depend on the type, whether it is high-grade (cancerous) or low-grade (non-cancerous). It may also depend on the location of the tumour in the brain, and the age and general health of the patient. 

The most common treatments include surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy. There is a more specialised type of radiosurgery that is known as stereotactic radiotherapy, or sometimes also Gamma Knife Surgery. 

It is not surgery in the traditional sense, but involves delivering highly focused and concentrated gamma rays to the tumour from an external machine. This type of treatment usually requires fewer sessions, and the precise targeting helps the surrounding healthy tissue to remain intact. 

For more information about brain tumour treatment, please contact Mr Andrew McAvoy of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Government Launches Children & Young People Cancer Taskforce

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a new taskforce to bring together experts to develop new ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancers in children and young people. The initiative aims to save lives and mitigate the long-term effects of a cancer diagnosis for young people.

The announcement follows a two-year campaign by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia   Group and Young Lives vs Cancer, who have been calling for a dedicated plan to improve outcomes for young people with cancer. The two charities will be involved in the taskforce, along with Cancer Research UK and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The taskforce will request better access to DNA testing and treatment, and more investment in research. It will also seek to explore how artificial intelligence can make the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment for young people more efficient and effective, and expand data sharing arrangements to help clinicians make better informed decisions.

The taskforce will be chaired by Dame Caroline Dineage MP. Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said: “Discovering your child has cancer is among the worst news a parent can receive. Thanks to the remarkable progress in treatment and research, survival rates are higher than ever. However, even then, life-changing consequences can remain.”

She added: “This taskforce will help bring together world-leading experts and those who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer to discuss how we can go further faster and to drive progress in cancer care for children and young people.”

“I am pleased we have such a respected figure as Dame Caroline leading the discussions and we look forward to working with all those on the taskforce to make child cancer care faster, simpler and fairer for all.”

Cancer is the leading cause of death in children up to 14 years old, and a major cause of death in young people in the UK. According to the Brain Tumour Charity, brain cancer is the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK. However, less that 3% of the total annual cancer research funding is spent on brain tumours.

Brain tumours reduce life expectancy by an average of 27 years, and only 12% of adults survive for five years after a diagnosis. There are on average 500 young people under the age of 19 diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK every year. Around half of these cases are gliomas, meaning that they originate from the glial cells.

Gliomas have various subgroups. Astrocytoma is the subgroup that makes up about 43% of all brain and spinal cord tumours in children. Other types of brain tumour that most commonly affect children are ependymomas, embryonal tumours, and craniopharyngioma. It is not yet understood what causes these childhood tumours.

Commenting on the launch of the cancer taskforce, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, Rachel Kirby-Rider, said: “It’s a positive step that children and young people with cancer’s unique needs are getting the focus they deserve with the setup of a dedicated Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce.”

She added: “Alongside their health, cancer can completely disrupt a young person’s life both during and beyond treatment, from education, to mental health and finances. It’s reassuring that as well as improving treatment and research, the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce aims to transform care and reduce the long-term impacts of cancer.”

Childhood brain tumours are usually treated with surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. The medical team will decide on the most appropriate course of treatment depending on the size, type, and location of the tumour and the age and general health of the child.

The long-term effects of a brain tumour on the child’s life will vary depending on the factors mentioned above and how it is treated. However, the consequences can be profound, including learning difficulties, vision problems, and impairments on normal growth, puberty, or physical abilities such as poor balance or weakness in a limb.

The child may also be left with emotional difficulties, either because of physical changes in the brain, or because of the trauma and social isolation they may experience due to the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour.

 

If you would like some more information about glioblastoma brain tumour treatment, please contact Mr George Samandouras of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

How Can The Mental Stresses Of A Brain Tumour Be Relieved?

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour can be a deeply traumatic experience. According to the Brain Tumour Charity, 91% of people they spoke to about the issue said that their tumour affected their mental or emotional health. This is perhaps unsurprising, given the disruption and discomfort that such a serious condition can bring.

There are many different ways in which a brain tumour can impact a person. The tumour itself may cause personality changes and trigger depression and anxiety. This is not inevitable, and everyone will experience the symptoms differently.

However, in some cases, it may cause mood swings or extremes of mood, a flattening of the emotions, irritability, aggression, a loss of inhibitions, or confusion and forgetfulness. These changes most often occur in frontal lobe tumours, because this is the area of the brain that controls our emotions and personality.

Swelling in the brain, caused by the tumour itself or by treatment, may lead to personality changes, although if the swelling is the result of treatment it should gradually subside, easing the symptoms. Medication may also cause or exacerbate mental problems in some people.

However, the stress of the diagnosis, treatment, and the disruption to finances, jobs, family, and other aspects of everyday life can understandably cause personality changes and emotional problems.

Sometimes, a persistent low mood may develop into clinical depression. This is characterised by intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness, outbursts of anger or irritability, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed.

It may also lead to tiredness, excessive sleeping or difficulty sleeping, anxiety or agitation, reduced appetite or weight gain, disordered thinking, poor memery and difficulty concentrating, unfounded guilt, low self worth, and intrusive thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The family and friends of the person living with the brain tumour may also be impacted with emotional problems, especially if they are directly involved in their care.

Severe cases of depression should be treated by a medical professional, as should any mental health problems that are caused by the tumour itself, rather than the shock and stress of a diagnosis.

However, mild depression may be relieved by some self-help tactics, such as talking honestly about the way you are feeling with someone you trust. This may be a family member, a friend, a counsellor, a health professional, or a member of a physical or virtual support network.

BBC News reports that Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity has received a grant from the Manx Lottery Trust to establish a therapeutic support service for people who have been diagnosed with brain tumours, and their families.

The charity was set up in 2009 by Geraldine Pishvaie after her teenage daughter Naseem was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. The support is designed to ease the emotional strain that such a serious health condition can bring.

Geraldine Pishvaie, from Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity, said: ‘Living with a diagnosis of brain tumour can be an incredibly uncertain and overwhelming time for both patients and caregivers. It becomes difficult for individuals to focus on activities and tasks that can benefit their well-being.”

She added: “This support is designed to empower individuals by providing them with essential skills to navigate the difficulties they encounter during this challenging period.’

Manx Lottery Trust chairman Stephen Turner said: ‘Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity has already made a significant impact on the lives of the people it supports. We are delighted to extend our support to this collaboration with Isle Listen, and we hope that many individuals will benefit from this project.’

Mild depression can be relieved with gentle exercise, such as a daily 20-minute walk, or even gardening or housework. Planning some enjoyable activities into your day, rather than things that you feel you ought to do, can also be helpful.

Brain tumours can be physically as well as mentally draining, so ensure that you get plenty of rest and sleep as much as you need to. It’s important to be kind to yourself and remember that your feelings are only natural.

Taking control of practical matters, such as finances, benefits, sick pay, childcare, and so on can make you feel more positive about yourself and able to cope.

 

If you are looking for more information about brain cancer and Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Neil Kitchen of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Pioneering Blood Test May Boost Brain Cancer Survival Rates

Brain tumour treatment may be on the verge of a major breakthrough, as UK researchers have developed a simple blood test that could potentially diagnose certain types of brain cancer. The Guardian reports that the blood test could lead to an earlier diagnosis of cancer, increasing the chances of survival.

According to Cancer Research UK, just 11% of adults survive brain cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis. On average, 12,288 new cases are diagnosed each year, and there are 5,456 deaths from brain tumours annually in the UK.

This makes it one of the most deadly cancers in the UK, leading to the deaths of more children and young people under 40 than any other type of cancer. Despite this, research into brain tumours has been historically neglected and underfunded compared to other types of cancer.

The new test could potentially make diagnosis much quicker and easier, eliminating the need for an invasive biopsy. Traditional forms of open brain surgery can be risky, particularly if the tumour is in a critical or difficult to access area of the brain. It also carries a high risk of complications, particularly for patients who are older or not in good overall health.

The test was developed by researchers at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, run by Imperial College London and Imperial College healthcare NHS trust. The results of the first studies have shown great promise in diagnosing tumours, including glioblastomas, which are the most common type of high-grade tumour in adults.

The test works by isolating glial cells that have broken free from the tumour and entered the bloodstream. The isolated cells can be stained to make them stand out and analysed for specific indicators of disease. It is known as the TriNetra blood test. Earlier diagnosis can lead to earlier and more effective treatment, boosting survival rates.

Dr Nelofer Syed, who leads the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, said: “A non-invasive, inexpensive method for the early detection of brain tumours is critical for improvements in patient care.”

“There is still some way to go, but this solution could help people where a brain biopsy or surgical resection of the tumour is not possible due to the location of the tumour or other constraints.”

He added: “Through this technology, a diagnosis of inaccessible tumours can become possible through a risk-free and patient-friendly blood test. We believe this would be a world first as there are currently no non-invasive or non-radiological tests for these types of tumours.”

The test is targeted at gliomas. These are tumours that have developed from cells that should become healthy glial brain cells. Glial cells support the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Glioma brain tumours can be low grade and benign, or high grade and cancerous.

Kevin O’Neill, consultant neurosurgeon at Imperial College healthcare NHS trust and honorary clinical senior lecturer at Imperial College London, who leads the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence with Syed, told The Guardian: “This test is not just an indicator of disease, it is a truly diagnostic liquid biopsy.”

“It detects intact circulating tumour cells from the blood, which can be analysed to the same cellular detail as an actual tissue sample. It’s a real breakthrough for treatment of brain cancers that rarely spread around the body.

“This could help speed up diagnosis, enabling surgeons to apply tailored treatments based on that biopsy to increase patients’ chances of survival. I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this study, especially the patients involved.”

Dan Knowles, CEO of Brain Tumour Research, said: “The research undertaken in UK universities is world class and something we should all be proud of, but we need so much more. There is an urgent need for novel approaches, particularly in the treatment of GBM, which is fatal in most cases.”

The researchers now plan to carry out larger studies and clinical trials to consolidate the early positive results. If they continue to prove to be highly accurate, it is possible that the blood test could be widely rolled out to patients in the UK within two years.

 

For more information about brain stem tumours, glioblastoma treatment, and Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr George Samandouras of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Gamma Knife Course at the Queen Square Simulation Centre

Join us for a cutting-edge Gamma Knife Course on multidisciplinary stereotactic and advanced radiosurgery! This event features lectures and simulations led by experts from neurosurgery, interventional radiology, and medical physics teams.

From medical students to seasoned consultants, this course caters to all levels of interest groups. Please note that this is an in-person attendance only event.

Location: National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London

Date: Thursday 15th February 2024

Course Director: Mr. Neil Kitchen (Consultant Neurosurgeon)

Course Leads: Mr. Cornel Tancu (Neurosurgery Senior Clinical Fellow)

Coffee and lunch will be provided, offering ample networking opportunities. You’ll receive a Certificate of Attendance to showcase your commitment to advancing your knowledge in this field.

Secure your spot now!

Register Now

Gamma Knife Course

Understanding Brain Tumours: 7 Common Myths And The Facts

Receiving a brain tumour diagnosis is a difficult experience, and there is a lot of new information to take in. Sometimes, a patient or their families may have some preconceived ideas about brain tumours that are based on common misconceptions rather than facts.

Here are some of the most common misunderstandings about brain tumours, and a look at what the reality of the situation is.

All brain tumours are cancerous

Brain tumours are not always cancerous (also described as malignant). They can also be non-cancerous (also described as benign). Cancerous brain tumours are more likely to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body, and so require urgent treatment. However, it’s also important to be aware of the next point.

Benign brain tumours are not serious

Brain tumours that are non-cancerous (benign) can still cause serious symptoms, depending on the location in the brain. If the tumour is pressing on certain nerve cells or fibres, it can disrupt the messaging between the brain and the body, causing a range of symptoms. These can be serious, including seizures, paralysis, vision disturbances, or cognitive issues.

Using mobile phones can cause brain tumours

Since the advent of widespread mobile phone use over 20 years ago, there has been persistent rumours about the link between brain tumours and mobile phone use. However, there is no convincing evidence that mobile phone use causes brain tumours, or any type of cancer.

Although high doses of electromagnetic waves can be dangerous for human health, the doses emitted by mobile phones are very weak and present no risk, according to Cancer Research UK.

Brain tumours are usually inoperable

Brain tumours can be serious and the treatment is subject to many variables, such as the size, type, and location of the tumour and the age and general health of the patient. However, there are now many advanced techniques of treating brian tumours. Neurosurgery is possible to successfully a brain tumour in some cases.

In other cases, the tumour may be treated with radiosurgery. One of the most advanced methods is known as stereotactic radiotherapy, or sometimes called Gamma Knife surgery.

This involves using an external machine to target very precise and intense doses of gamma rays from multiple angles at the tumour to kill the cells, whilst leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact.

Brain tumours will always cause severe headaches

Although severe and persistent headaches can be a symptom of a brain tumour, if this is the only symptom you are experiencing, there could be another cause. For example, it may be due to migraines or fatigue. Brain tumour symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tumour, and sometimes they cause very few symptoms at all.

Brain tumours run in families

While certain genetics may be a risk factor for a brain tumour, it is believed to be quite rare. Research is still ongoing into the exact causes, but risk factors include age, obesity, and previous exposure to radiation.

Understanding meningioma: Insights and options

In his latest online article, Mr Pedro Oliveira Castanho gives us his insights into meningioma. He talks about what meningioma is, the causes, how it’s detected, if it should be removed, treatment options, the benefits and side effects and the outlook.

What is meningioma, and what are the causes?

Meningioma is a tumour originating from the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord. Generally, they are non-cancerous growths, although occasional cases may exhibit more aggressive behaviour. Rarely, malignant forms can occur, particularly in individuals with specific genetic predispositions.

Determining a singular cause for meningiomas proves challenging, as they typically arise from a complex interplay of various factors rather than a singular origin. While hormonal influence, particularly in women, has been suggested, this connection remains incompletely understood. Recognised risk factors include exposure to radiation and the presence of certain genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis type 2, though these represent a minority of cases.

How are meningioma typically detected?

Brain scans may incidentally reveal meningiomas, even before they manifest any symptoms, often occurring during scans conducted for unrelated reasons such as falls or accidents. Patients with meningiomas may present with a range of symptoms, either individually or in combination. These symptoms encompass headaches, epileptic seizures, alterations in behaviour or memory, weakness and sensations in the arms or legs, facial drooping, and double or blurred vision, among others. The absence of specific symptoms for meningiomas highlights the variability, influenced by factors like location, size, and the extent of swelling within the brain.

When should meningiomas be removed?

If there are clear signs of significant symptoms, growth on consecutive scans, or indications of more aggressive behaviour, it may be necessary to consider surgical removal.

What treatment options are available for meningiomas?

Surgery to either remove or shrink the tumour is often advised for the mentioned tumours. Another option is the Gamma Knife, which might be the preferred treatment for certain patients, aiming to prevent tumour growth. In some cases, merely monitoring with regular imaging may be sufficient for managing meningiomas. Currently, there is no medication specifically designed to treat these tumours effectively. However, various medications can assist in symptom control, such as alleviating headaches, managing seizures, or reducing brain swelling. In certain situations, a combination of these treatments and other approaches may be necessary.

Can you explain the benefits and potential side effects of each treatment?

The term “Gamma Knife” might sound misleading because there’s no cutting involved. It’s a minimally invasive procedure where targeted gamma rays are used on the tumour, minimising impact on the surrounding brain. Despite the unusual idea of using radiation for tumours caused by it, the high dose is precisely aimed at the unhealthy tissue. Usually done in a day and as a single treatment, the procedure might take a few minutes to a few hours. Beforehand, you’ll be admitted for necessary investigations.

While generally well-tolerated, common symptoms on the day may include headaches, dizziness, and light-headedness, manageable with later medication. Temporary hair loss and transient brain swelling, also controllable with medication, are potential experiences for patients. Long-term side effects are rare, with exceedingly rare occurrences of radiation necrosis and radiation-induced tumours.

On the other hand, surgery has the potential to cure but is the most invasive option, requiring general anaesthesia. Operations usually go as planned with common post-operative effects like wound pain and swelling. However, there is a small risk of serious complications or death, and the severity of risks varies depending on the tumour’s complexity.

What is the outlook for meningiomas?

Meningiomas are complex tumours that usually need long-term monitoring, no matter how they’re treated. The good news is, with the right care, they’re often curable or manageable. In these cases, people should be able to lead a regular life and have a normal life expectancy.

Brain Tumour 101: A Glossary Of Commonly Used Medical Terms

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour can be a confusing and overwhelming time for both patients and families. There is a steep learning curve and you may be presented with a lot of unfamiliar medical terms. Here’s a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms to help you make sense of a brain tumour diagnosis and treatment.

Anaplastic

The stage where brain tumour cells are dividing rapidly and bear little or no resemblance to normal cells in appearance or function.

Antibody

An antibody is a protein made by white blood cells that attaches itself to an antigen and neutralises or destroys foreign cells such as viruses or cancer cells.

Antigens

Antigen is a substance that is recognised by antibodies and induces an immune response.

Benign

Benign is usually used to describe a slow-growing tumour that stays in its primary location without spreading to other parts of the body, and they are usually non-cancerous.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a form of neurosurgery that is used to take a sample of cells or tissues for diagnostic purposes.

Blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a protective membrane that surrounds the blood vessels within the brain to protect it from circulating blood that may contain toxins and damage brain tissues.

Chemotherapy

When cancer is treated with drugs to stop the growth of tumour cells, it is called chemotherapy. There are a very limited number of chemotherapy drugs available to treat brain tumours because they are not able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Gamma Knife surgery

Despite its name, Gamma Knife surgery is not a traditional surgery that involves incisions into the brain. It is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery that is used to deliver precisely focused radiation beams directed to the treatment area in the brain. This deliberately damages the targeted cells, whilst having minimal impact on the surrounding tissues.

High grade tumour

A high-grade tumour is a grade 3 or 4 tumour that is likely to grow and spread quickly to nearby tissue. Depending on the size and location of the tumour, they can be difficult to treat.

The grades are made on the basis of a biopsy specimen that is analysed by a pathologist.

Low grade tumour

A low-grade tumour is a grade 1 or 2 tumour that grows slowly. A grade 1 tumour is unlikely to spread to nearby tissues. A grade 2 tumour may spread and has the potential to regrow even if it is surgically removed.

Metastatic brain tumour

A metastatic brain tumour is a secondary brain tumour that began elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain.

Oncologist

An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists who specialise in the treatment of brain tumours are referred to as neuro-oncologists.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the use of radiation to manage or kill brain tumour cells. It can be used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.