What are the side effects of treatment?

Brain tumour treatment may leave many side effects which may become less with time. Since craniotomy is a major procedure, there may be side effects like coordination difficulties, problems in comprehension and memory and personality changes. This is caused due to some damage to normal tissues surrounding the tumour.

Post surgery complications include cerebral oedema and seizures. Other side effects depend upon the location and extent of the tumour. In case there is no neurological deficit before operation, post-operatively also there should be no defect. In a large majority of cases even pre-operative deficit improves. However if tumour removed is delayed or the deficit is already severe this may not recover fully.

Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, loss of hair and allergic reactions of the skin. Children who have had radiation therapy for brain tumours may have learning difficulties and visual problems. There may also be growth deficiencies in some children due to hormonal imbalance.

Some anticancer drugs may cause infertility. Women on anticancer drugs may experience menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Some drugs may also cause kidney damage. A common condition is the formation of blood clots, usually in the leg, after the drug treatment.