What is the treatment for an astrocytoma brain tumor?

Answer by  fishy (1085)

The best treatment for this type of tumor is surgical removal of as much of the tumor as can be safely removed without harming healthy brain tissue. The remaining cells or portion of the tumor may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to try to kill the remaining portion or prevent it from regrowing into another full sized tumor.

Answer by  mem4dr (1378)

Brain tumors are usually treated with a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Tumors that are on the brain stem can usually not be operated on. Radiation is not the preferred method because of the serious long term side effects radiation can have on the body. Surgery is often done first to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Answer by  GordonLymes (78)

Surgery is the usual treatment for astrocytomas, which can both remove the tumor and give a definitive hystologic diagnosis; if the tumor mass involves vital parts of the brain it is necessary to choose for radiotherapy, but this treatment doesn't allow a final diagnosis, except for the information taken on diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, PET)

Answer by  Repairdude (115)

There are no true treatments available. No cures, but there are ways to reduce the discomfort. Advil and the like work well. These types of health treatments are ambiguous at best, you should consult a physician before doing anything to "official" icy-hot pads are great, and fluids do as much as-the stereotype.