Glioma Treatment: Planning for Surgery
- Surgery is often the first step when doctors suspect a patient has glioma. It can help with diagnosis, prognosis, and is often used as the initial treatment.
- Surgeons try to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible.
- During the initial consultation with a neurosurgeon, they will review your medical history, explain imaging results, discuss surgical options, and address any concerns you may have.
- Oftentimes, your doctor will not give a concrete prognosis at this first meeting as there is still so much to learn about your individual disease.
“Often, neurosurgery is kind of the root of entry for patients with gliomas, meaning that they may have a seizure or have symptoms that are quite sudden and concerning. They’re concerned about a stroke, they go to an ER somewhere and get imaging findings, diagnose a brain tumor, and then knowing nothing else often they come to see me, a neurosurgeon,” Dr. D. Ryan Ormond, a neurosurgeon at the University of Colorado, explains.
The First Meeting With Your Surgeon
Read More- Review Your Medical History: The surgeon will discuss your symptoms, prior medical conditions, and any previous imaging or tests you have undergone.
- Explain the Imaging Results: Your MRI or CT scans will be analyzed in detail to confirm the location, size, and characteristics of the tumor.
- Discuss Surgical Options: If surgery is a viable option, the neurosurgeon will explain the procedure, its risks and benefits, and the potential outcomes.
- Address Your Concerns: You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, the recovery process, and what to expect moving forward.
“I don’t usually talk about prognosis in that first conversation simply because, you don’t have the pathology back in most cases so there is such a wide range of possibilities, even from the same type of imaging,” Dr. Ormond says.
It can be helpful to bring a family member or friend to this appointment, as they can take notes, ask questions you may not have thought of, and provide emotional support.
What If I’m Not a Candidate for Surgery?
Not all patients with glioma are candidates for surgery.
Several factors may influence whether surgery is possible, including:
- The tumor’s location (e.g., if it is in a highly sensitive area of the brain where surgery would cause significant damage)
- The type and grade of the glioma
- Overall health and ability to tolerate the procedure
Even if surgery is not an option, there are several other treatment modalities available, including:
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and shrink the tumor
- Chemotherapy: Medications designed to attack cancer cells and slow their growth
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that use a patient’s immune system or specific drugs to attack tumor cells
- Clinical Trials: Some patients may qualify for experimental treatments through research studies
Your medical team will work closely with you to develop the best treatment plan tailored to your individual case.
Your Treatment Team
Glioma treatment is multidisciplinary, meaning multiple specialists work together to provide comprehensive care.
Your medical team may also include:
- A neuro-oncologist (a specialist in treating brain cancers using medications like chemotherapy and targeted therapy)
- A radiation oncologist (a doctor who specializes in radiation therapy)
- A neurologist (helps manage neurological symptoms and complications)
- Rehabilitation specialists (physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who aid in recovery and maintaining quality of life)
- Palliative care specialists (experts in managing symptoms, pain, and quality of life concerns)
This team will ensure that all aspects of your health—both physical and emotional—are taken care of throughout your treatment journey.
Should I Get a Second Opinion?
After an initial diagnosis, many people facing cancer wonder if they should consider a second opinion. You may be surprised to know that many who work in the cancer space often recommend this.
Getting a second opinion can provide:
- Confirmation of the Diagnosis: Ensuring that the initial diagnosis and treatment plan are accurate
- Exploration of Additional Treatment Options: Some institutions may offer clinical trials or advanced therapies that others do not
- Peace of Mind: Feeling confident that you have explored all possible avenues before proceeding with treatment
Many major medical centers encourage second opinions, and your insurance may cover the consultation. If you feel uncertain about your diagnosis or treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to another expert for evaluation.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- When will you have a prognosis for me?
- Do you suspect I’ll need additional treatment after surgery?
- How can I prepare for surgery?
- What characteristics does my tumor show on MRI/CT?
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