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What is Neuro-Oncology?
Neuro-oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of tumors. This branch of medicine deals specifically with tumors that affect the central nervous system. A number of dangerous tumors, which require specialized treatment, afflict the central nervous system. It requires an intensive and extensive understanding of the brain and spinal in order to give treatment. The aim of the treatment is usually to extend the patient’s life by a year or two. In rare circumstances, a patient may be completely cured of the tumor.
Diagnosing a tumor in the central nervous system is quite difficult. Due to advances in technology, the process has become much easier. For instance, a doctor can use a CT scan or MRI.
Analysis of the cerebral spinal fluid is another common technique applied in detecting neoplasms of the central nervous system. The procedure involves making an intrusion into the spinal cord using a long needle. Fluid is drawn out and taken for analysis. If there are any cancerous cells, they will appear in the analysis.
Neuro-oncology has a number of options available for dealing with tumors. One of the most common and effective methods is radiotherapy. The patient is hit with intense ionizing radiation that helps to kill cancerous cells. Besides that, chemotherapy is used to target cancerous cells. The patient has to take powerful medication, which usually results in hair loss. Besides that, corticosteroids have been proven an effective method of dealing with neoplasms in neuro-oncology.
When no treatment options are viable, the doctor may recommend surgery. However, it is impossible for any surgery to get rid of the entire tumor. The aim of surgery is usually to get rid of as many cancerous cells as possible. This removes any immediate danger that a tumor may pose to the surrounding structures.
Duration of procedure/surgery : Operations of the central nervous system may require a prolonged stay in the hospital. This will usually depend on the type of treatment. For instance, if the patient is undergoing chemotherapy, he/sh
Recovery : The recovery period for cancer treatment can take months or weeks. In addition, one needs a lot of love and supports from his/her friends and family. The patient will also have to eat a healthy diet. Attending physical therapy may also be necessary.
Risks : One of the major risks in treatment of the nervous system is reemergence. This usually requires the patient to go through the second round of treatment, which can be quite distressing. A less common risk is that of infection. In addition, there is the risk of a patient being left permanently paralyzed, especially in operations of the spinal cord. This risk has been greatly averted due to modern technology.
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