Thinking About Brain Tumor Survival

A person who has been diagnosed with brain tumor can have a lot of things going on in his head at one time. One of the possible issues would be thinking about his survival rate. What are the chances of survival for a brain tumor patient? What should a patient do after being diagnosed with brain tumor?

Prognosis

Each brain tumor patient is unique. It is also a fact though that scientific research has been able to come up with objective prognostic possibilities. Here is what is known so far about brain tumor and a patient’s chances of survival:

• Several factors may influence a patient’s chances of survival. These factors include: type of brain tumor (benign or malignant), category of brain cancer (primary or secondary), age of patient, location of tumor, health of patient, size or extent of the tumor, grade of tumor and response to treatment.

• Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common kinds of tumor and is also quite malignant. Some patients with this kind of brain tumor may live for only a few months. There are also a couple of patients though who may survive for 3-5 years after diagnosis with palliative treatment.

• Statistics say that the younger a patient is, the longer his chances of surviving for a number of years even with a primary malignant brain tumor.

• A lot of patients with benign brain tumors that can easily be accessed through surgery live on without further tumor recurrences. There are also some though whose benign brain tumors may recur. The benign type may also become malignant.

• Even seemingly benign brain tumors or those that do not have cells that spread may be deadly if it is located in a critical and inaccessible part of the brain.

• Good doctors and specialists look at both the general averages of survival and a patient’s own unique condition. Even so, some prognoses are not accurate in predicting the very last day of survival. Some support groups and brain tumor survivors suggest that a patient’s attitude and will power should be taken into account as contributory factors to individual chances of survival.

What You Should Do If Diagnosed

Each person is unique and may have his own way of dealing with the reality of brain tumor. Here are some practical suggestions for people who may find coping difficult.

• Acceptance of the situation and the changes that will come with it is important, but this is really easier said than done. This is crucial though because a patient may not be able to transition quickly from mourning into action.

• You should get the best possible team of specialists to work on your condition. This will at least give you the assurance that everything is being done for you. At the same time, always remember that brain tumor treatment is never simple, risk-free and easy. Consider asking for a second opinion.

• Read on your condition yourself so that you can ask your doctors appropriate questions.

• Prepare for any eventualities. Although you may decide to fight the disease, you should have provisions for financially providing for your loved ones and emotionally preparing them. Consider joining family support groups and drafting a will and medical directives.