Finding hope in precision

More hope for patients with brain tumor using CyberKnife®

- BY DR. JAYMEE FERNANDEZ-RAMOS RADIATION ONCOLOGIST, ASIAN CANCER INSTITUTE ASIAN HOSPITAL and MEDICAL CENTER

A diagnosis of a brain tumor is sure to send anyone to a state of fear. This is very understandable as we all know how the brain pretty much controls everything about our being.

Tumors, i.e. cells that have grown out of control, can occur in any part of the body, including the brain. Those that grow in the brain or near it are considered brain tumors, which can be generally categorized as either benign—growing slowly and less likely to resurface after treatment or spread to other parts of the brain—or malignant—cancerous, aggressive, grows relatively faster, with high rate of recurrence, and can spread to other parts of the brain and body.

Studies show that exposure to certain chemicals, occupation or environmental settings and some hereditary diseases can increase risk of developing brain tumors. We have to note, though, that being predisposed doesn’t mean you'll automatically develop tumors in your brain, there’s just a higher possibility compared to the general population.

Treatments and intervention