Cancerous tumors in the brain Brain tumors can affect anyone

Diagnosing brain tumor is usually a shock - many sufferers can be helped
Although brain tumors are relatively rare, they can theoretically hit anyone. The diagnosis is usually a shock to those affected. Fears of personality changes, a loss of decision-making and thus self-determination are not uncommon. "But thanks to modern treatment methods, doctors can help very often," reports the University Hospital Freiburg on the occasion of the World Brain Tumor Day on 8 June.

A brain tumor "can (make) everyone with equal probability, because there are no risk factors that favor the tumor", so the announcement of the University Clinic Freiburg. For those affected and their relatives often follow an extremely difficult time after the diagnosis. Thus, the therapy itself often brings considerable burden. In addition, fears and worries bring with them additional psychological stress for patients and their families. At an information event for patients and relatives on the occasion of the World Brain Tumor Day at the University Medical Center Freiburg, experts will therefore not only provide information about treatment options but also about the difficult situation of those affected and their families.

Many sufferers can be helped with a brain tumor today. (Image: fotoliaxrender / fotolia.com)

Over 8,000 brain tumors per year
According to the Freiburg University Hospital, more than 8,000 people in Germany suffer from a primary brain tumor every year. However, thanks to modern treatment methods, physicians can often help today. Possible signs of a brain tumor are, for example, severe headaches, nausea, speech and vision disorders, but also epileptic seizures. With the diagnosis come to the physical symptoms often fears of those affected and families, reports the University Hospital Freiburg. "The fear of a personality change and the fear of losing decision-making ability and self-determination" are typical reactions here.

Information for sufferers and relatives
With the event on the World Brain Tumor Day at the Neurozentrum of the University Hospital Freiburg, the experts want to inform patients, "but also draw attention to the difficult situation of those affected and their families," emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Anca-Ligia Grosu, Medical Director of the Department of Radiotherapy of the University Hospital Freiburg. Affected and interested persons can inform themselves in lectures, at information stands and in direct conversations with treating physicians, according to the announcement of the university hospital.

Therapeutic options of naturopathy are also discussed
According to the information provided by the University Hospital, "eight lectures on state-of-the-art diagnostic options, surgical and radiotherapeutic treatment methods as well as naturopathic and complementary medical treatment options" are planned as part of the information event. In addition, current clinical trials and supportive measures for psychosocial stress will be presented.

Close cooperation of the different disciplines
The three most important pillars in the treatment of brain tumors, according to the Freiburg University Hospital "continue to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy." At the neuro-oncological center of the University Hospital Freiburg here a close cooperation of the participating physicians of various specialties is provided in order for all patients individually develop optimal therapeutic plans. In addition, there is the opportunity to benefit from newer therapeutic approaches in clinical trials. (Fp)