Optic nerve glioma secondary prevention
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Optic nerve glioma secondary prevention On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Optic nerve glioma secondary prevention |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Optic nerve glioma secondary prevention |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]
Overview
Secondary prevention strategies following optic nerve glioma include lifelong follow-up care which further includes a visit to a clinic every year for screening of tumor recurrence, management of disease complications, and management of side-effects of treatment.
Secondary Prevention
Many years after the initial treatment, optic nerve glioma recurrence may take place. Optic nerve glioma usually recurs in the same place as the original tumor. In small number of cases it can occur in other parts of the brain or spinal cord. For tumor recurrence, local radiation therapy is the usual treatment if the patient has not been previously treated with this therapy. Radiation and chemotherapy are options for patients who have only been treated surgically. Long-term side effects may occur after treatment for an optic nerve glioma. In below 5 percent of cases optic nerve glioma can move beyond the brain and spine as there is a protective blood brain barrier that serves to keep infections out, and also ends up keeping tumors in.
Lifelong follow-up care is important if the child has been treated for optic pathway glioma. It's important for your child to visit a clinic every year to:
- Screen for tumor recurrence and/or secondary cancers
- Management of disease complications
- Management of late side-effects of treatment
A follow up visit includes the following:
- Laboratory tests
- Imaging scans
- A complete physical examination
Coping and support As having a cancer as a child can be emotionally and socially stressful, all of the family's emotional and quality-of -life needs should be met. The children and their families may benefit from counseling or a support group.