Brain tumour, benign (non-cancerous)
Recover and care after brain tumor
After being treated for a brain tumour, you may need additional care to monitor and treat any further problems.
Follow-up appointments
Benign brain tumours can sometimes grow back after treatment, so regular follow-up appointments willoften be recommended to look for signs that this may have happened.
These appointments may include a discussion of any worrying new symptoms you experience, a physical examination, and occasionally a brain scan.
You willusuallyhave follow-up appointments at least every few months to begin with, but they will probably be needed less frequently over time if no problems develop.
Supportive treatment
Problems caused by a brain tumourdon't always resolve as soon asthe tumour is removed or treated. For example, some people have persistent weakness, seizures (fits), difficulty walking and speech problems.
In these cases,you may needextra support to help you overcome or adapt toany problems you have. This may includetherapies such as:
- Physiotherapy to help with any movement problems you have
- occupational therapy to identify any problems you're having with daily activities andarrange forany equipment or alterations to your home that may help
- speech therapy to help you with anycommunication or swallowing problems
Some people may also need to continue taking medication for seizures for a few months or more after their tumour has been treated or removed.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made recommendations on the standards of care that brain tumour patients should receive. For more information, see the service guidance for improving outcomes for people with brain and other central nervous system tumours.
Driving and travelling
You may not be allowed to drive for a while after you've had a brain tumour. This willdepend on things such asthe type of brain tumour you had, where it was in the brain, and what symptoms you have.
If you are required to give up your driving licence and notify the DVLA , they will speak to your GP or specialistto determine when you can drive again.
With up-to-date scans and advice from your medical team, you may be allowed to drive again once an agreed period has passed and you have successfully completed a medical test to determine your ability to control a vehicle.
You can read more about brain tumours and driving on the Cancer Research UK website.
Flying is usually possible from three months after treatment.
Sports and activities
After you have been treated for a brain tumour, you must permanently avoid contact sports, such as rugby and boxing. You can start other activities again, with the agreement of your doctor, once you have recovered.
Swimming unsupervised is not recommended for around one year after treatment, as there is a risk that you could have anepileptic fit while in the water.
Sex and pregnancy
It's safe to have sex after treatment for a benign brain tumour.
Women may be advised to avoid becoming pregnant for six months or more after treatment.If you're planning to become pregnant, you should discuss this with your medical team.
Going back to work
You'll usually tiremore easily following treatment for a brain tumour.
You may wish to return to work and normal life as soon as possible, but it's probably a good idea to return part-time to begin with and only go back full-time when you feel able to.
If you've experienced seizures,you shouldn'twork with machinery or at heights.
Help and support
A brain tumour is often life-changing. You may feel angry, frightened and emotionally drained. If it will help, your doctor or specialist may be able to refer you to a social worker and counsellor for help with the practical and emotional aspects of your diagnosis.
There are also many organisations that canprovide information and support, such as The Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Tumour Research .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 15 Apr 2015
Introduction
A benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows slowly in the brain. It usually stays in one place and does not spread.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a benign or low-grade brain tumour depend on its size and where it is in the brain. Some slow-growing tumours may not cause any symptoms at first.
Causes
The cause of most benign brain tumours is unknown, although a small number of cases have been linked to certain genes or previous cancer treatment.
Diagnosis
See your GP if you develop any of the symptoms of a benign brain tumour, such as a persistent and severe headache.
Treatment
Most benign tumours are removed with surgery and do not normally come back.
Recover and care after brain tumor
After being treated for a brain tumour, you may need additional care to monitor and treat any further problems.
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