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Brain tumours Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about brain tumours

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Can mobile phones cause brain tumours?

No, there is currently no evidence to show that mobile phones can cause brain tumours.

Explanation

Mobile phones give out and receive radiowaves. These radiowaves can heat up your body. We have guidelines in place to make sure that none of the mobile phones which are sold in the UK expose us to harmful levels of radiowaves. Research has shown that exposure to radiowaves below these guideline levels won't cause you to have any health problems.

However, because mobile phones are only a fairly recent invention, we can't be absolutely sure that they don't cause any health problems if they are used over a long period of time. For this reason, it's recommended that you try to keep any calls on your mobile phone as short as possible to minimise the amount of radiowaves that you're exposed to. Children under the age of 16 should only use mobile phones if it's essential. This is because their head and nervous system are still developing, so radiowave exposure may have a larger effect on them.

Further information

Sources

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Can my brain tumour come back after treatment?

Yes, it's possible that your brain tumour could come back.

Explanation

Both malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) tumours can come back after they have been treated. When brain tumours do come back they are usually in the same area of your brain as the first tumour. But they can also develop in a different area of your brain or sometimes in your spinal cord.

If your brain tumour does come back then it's often possible for your doctor to treat it again. But this will depend on what kind of treatment you had for the first tumour.

You might be able to have surgery to remove the tumour. This will depend on a number of factors including the type and size of the tumour, how quickly it's growing, whether it has spread within your brain or to your spinal cord, and also on your general health.

If you had radiotherapy to treat the first tumour then you may not be able to have any more. This is because radiation can cause damage to the healthy tissues in your brain. If the brain tumour is in the same area as the first one then you probably won't be given radiotherapy again, as it could cause too much damage to the healthy parts of your brain. If the tumour has come back in a different part of your brain then it may be possible for you to have more radiotherapy.

It's often possible for you to have chemotherapy if your tumour has come back. Even if you have had it before, your doctor may be able to try again, perhaps using a different drug the second time round.

If you have already had all of the possible treatment and your doctors are unable to get rid of the tumour, then you can be given treatment to control your symptoms. You may be given steroids, which will help to relieve your symptoms by reducing the swelling inside your head, and painkillers to help with your headaches. You may also be given medicine to control or prevent fits, as they sometimes occur in people with advanced brain tumours.

Further information

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After I have been treated, will I need to have brain scans to check that the tumour doesn't come back?

You will need to have regular check-ups, but won't necessarily need to have a scan every time.

Explanation

It's not possible for doctors to predict whether or not your brain tumour will come back. So you will have regular check-ups after the treatment for your brain tumour has finished, even if the tumour was benign (not spreading into other tissues).

The type of doctor that you have your check-ups with will depend on what kind of treatment you had. You could have to see your oncologist (cancer specialist), surgeon or another specialist. Your doctor will examine you and ask you whether you have had any symptoms. You may also need to have a CT or MRI scan, but this is usually only necessary if your doctor thinks that something may be wrong. As time goes by your check-ups will become less regular.

If your brain tumour does come back then you may get similar symptoms to the ones you had with the first tumour. However, these symptoms don't always mean that the brain tumour has come back and could be for many other reasons. You should report any new symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible.

Further information

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Can I drive if I have a brain tumour?

No, you will need to stop driving and contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). They will let you know when it's safe for you to start driving again.

Explanation

If you have a brain tumour then you're required by law to let the DVLA know, as it can affect your vision and your ability to drive. You won't be allowed to drive until the medical department at the DVLA confirm that you're fit to drive safely again. This is for your safety and for the safety of other road users. The DVLA may need to contact your doctor to help them to decide how long it will be unsafe for you to drive for. Once this time has passed you should be able to drive again after passing a medical which will test your sight and how well you can control a vehicle.

Further information

Sources

  • How to tell DVLA about a medical condition. Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). www.direct.gov.uk, accessed 8 July 2008
  • Brain tumour: a guide for patients and carers. Brain and Spine Foundation. www.brainandspine.org.uk, accessed 7 July 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2008

 

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