Ultrasonic aspirators vibrate and break up tumors using sound waves. The aspirator then acts like a vacuum to remove the tumor fragments. Implantable chemotherapy wafers are sometimes used in the treatment of more malignant brain tumors. These wafers are left in the brain after the tumor is removed to continue fighting the tumor cells. The select access this process allows can also be used to precisely deliver high-dose chemotherapy.
Steroids control the swelling due to accumulation of fluids associated with brain tumors.
They may be administered temporarily following surgery or during radiation to reduce edema, or they may be used long-term for relief of symptoms. Chemotherapy uses special chemicals to poison tumor cells, which are more vulnerable to chemicals than healthy cells. It may be used before, during, or after surgery and radiation therapy. Dozens of new chemotherapeutic drugs are being studied and tested to determine their effectiveness in improving survival and recovery. If you meet the criteria for a clinical trial, your physician can offer you the option of participating in the research.