After treatment for brain tumours

What follow-up do I need?

After your treatment has ended you will still need to go back to the hospital for regular check-ups. This is called follow-up. Follow-up may involve having a physical exam, blood tests and scans. At first these visits will be quite often.

Tell your doctor or nurse how you have been since your last appointment. Remember to tell them about any new symptoms you have, or if you are finding it hard to cope. Sometimes it helps to write down what you want to say before you see the doctor. That way you won’t forget anything.

If you are between check-ups and have a symptom or problem that is worrying you, call your specialist nurse for advice or to arrange an earlier outpatient appointment if necessary.

If you become suddenly unwell and can’t contact your specialist nurse or hospital team, go to your GP or the emergency department at the hospital.

If you suffer from seizures, you may not be allowed to drive. Ask your doctor about this.

What if my brain tumour comes back?

Sometimes a tumour comes back after treatment. This is called recurrence. If this happens, your doctor will discuss your options with you and what the aim of the treatment will be. In some cases surgery may be possible. Radiotherapy may be given to the area if it has not already been used before. In other situations, chemotherapy may be given to try to control the tumour for as long as possible. Your doctor may also refer you to specialist palliative care doctors and nurses, who are experts in managing symptoms. Read more about palliative care.

Feelings after treatment

It can take some time to come to terms with a cancer diagnosis, even after your treatment has ended. Read about feelings after treatment and where to get support.