Brain and Spinal Tumours Patient and Family Resources
Brain tumours can be classified as low grade (benign) or high grade (malignant - another word for cancer).
Within this range, there are many different types of tumours and in different locations. It is important to know the type and location of a tumour as that will indicate what symptoms to expect and what treatment is the best.
Once we have confirmed the diagnosis of a brain tumour, we will organize a meeting with a primary oncologist and members of the neuro-oncology team to discuss treatment options. The team will include an oncologist, a neurosurgeon, a neuro-oncology nurse clinician and a social worker.
The discussion will review the diagnosis, tumour type, treatment protocol and prognosis (what we think will happen as treatment continues). You will be able to ask questions and talk about what you want for your child.
We will ask you to sign a consent form before we begin treatment. We may ask you to enrol your child in a clinical trial. The aim of a clinical trial is to make cancer treatments more successful. It will help us see if one treatment is better than another. Your doctor will explain the aims and objectives of the trial, and how it differs from standard treatment.
Treatment
There are three main types of treatments for brain tumours:
Surgery to remove a tumour is called resection. The goal is to remove as much tumour as possible without causing harm. The neuro-surgeon will discuss the risks of surgery with you before asking you to sign consent.
- Partial resection: only part of the tumour can be removed
- Complete or gross total resection: the entire tumour is removed; we cannot see any tumour on the post-operative MRI
Chemotherapy may also be called anti-cancer drugs or chemotherapeutic agents. These are drugs used to destroy tumour cells.
The goal of chemotherapy will depend on your child's diagnosis. Chemotherapy may be given to:
- Cure
- Control a tumour (try to stop the tumour from growing back)
- Improve quality of life. If a cure is not possible, we may use chemotherapy to control symptoms
We use high-energy X-rays or gamma rays to destroy or damage tumour cells.
The goal of radiation depends on your child's diagnosis. We may give radiation to:
- Cure
- Control
- Improve quality of life and control symptoms when a cure is not possible
Health information online can be helpful but may bring up more questions. Be sure to talk with health care professionals about what you find.
There is a lot of information to take in. Try to only look at the information you need right now. You can always come back to get more information at a later date.
Mental health resources
- Anywhere in BC: 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
- Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
- Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311
- Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
- Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
- Anxiety Canada
- Foundry Virtual BC: Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can use the app to drop in or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, find peer support, or join a youth or caregiver group
- Patient & Family Counselling (BC Cancer)
General resources
- Imaginary Friend Society
A cast of characters inspired by the imaginations of kids themselves. Through a series of 20 animated short films, our imaginary friends explain a wide range of complicated cancer topics in a way that children can understand. The more they understand about their treatment, the less scary it will be. - Brain Tumour Resource Centre (SickKids)
Other links
- Radiation therapy (PDF)
- Radiation therapy video
- BC Brain Injury Association
- Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
- Youth Education Awards for patients with brain tumours - The aim of the program is to help young brain tumour survivors achieve their dreams through post-secondary education.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery is an important part of the treatment for a brain, spinal cord or solid tumour. It can occur at different times in a child’s treatment. The type and amount of rehabilitation will depend on what your child needs. It will help your child become stronger and be the best they can be.
Your child will start rehabilitation as soon as possible and will continue as long as they need it. The rehabilitation professionals on your team will review your child’s needs and help you tap into the most useful resources for them.
If your child needs more intensive rehabilitation after surgery, they may spend some time at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children for young children or G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre for youth.
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are available through different sources both in hospital and in your community. Some of them are:
- The Infant Development Program for infants
- The Centre for Child Development for children and youth
- The BC Centre for Ability: community-based services that enhance the quality of life for children, youths and adults with disabilities and their families
If you have questions about rehabilitation services, please talk to your oncology team.