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Many brain tumours grow back even after successful surgery and oncological treatments. When a cancer comes back it is called recurrence. A recurrence can happen shortly after the original cancer is treated, or several years after treatment has been completed.
If you are diagnosed with a recurrent tumour, you may feel like you are starting from square one all over again. However, you will need to consider how additional treatment can impact on your quality of life in addition to the impact on your survival.
Your team will have explained the likelihood of your tumour returning when you were first diagnosed but it can be a real shock to find out that your tumour has returned. Another operation to attempt to remove some of the tumour may be possible.
Your surgeon and oncologist will discuss this with you in addition to alternative treatments including chemotherapy and any clinical trials that may be available. This aid is to help you make the decision about whether to go ahead with further surgery, or not. Please contact your nurse specialist if you need any further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgery best for my long-term survival?
In favour of surgery
If surgery goes well, it is likely, but not guaranteed to extend your survival.
Not in favour of surgery
The impact on your survival may not be large.
Will it help me feel better?
In favour of surgery
If you have ‘pressure’ symptoms caused by the tumour, these may improve.
Not in favour of surgery
If you have no symptoms then surgery will not make you feel any better.
Will this stop my tumour growing back again in the future?
In favour of surgery
It is highly unlikely but it may delay it for a time.
Not in favour of surgery
The tumour will almost certainly continue to grow.
Are the risks the same or greater with a 2nd operation?
In favour of surgery
They are higher but your surgeon will explain the increased risks versus the benefits of having further tumour removed.
Not in favour of surgery
Post operatively you could struggle with complications such as a stroke, infection or other life changing problems.
Will you use the same scar?
In favour of surgery
Your surgeon will explain how they will approach your second operation. It is very likely that they will use the same scar but it may be extended.
Not in favour of surgery
The scar will take longer to heal after a second operation.
Will I be in hospital for the same number of days?
In favour of surgery
It is possible that you will need to stay in hospital for a few days more after a second operation.
Not in favour of surgery
A longer stay in hospital means less time at home with your family.
Will it take longer to recover once I get home?
In favour of surgery
It is common for people to take longer to recover from a second operation. However, your symptoms may get much better and therefore improve your quality of life.
Not in favour of surgery
Fatigue following surgery could significantly impact on your quality of life affecting how much you can do day to day.
If I decide to go ahead, can I have further surgery again in the future?
In favour of surgery
Occasionally people have had a 3rd and even a 4th operation however this is unlikely.
Not in favour of surgery
Due to the impact of the tumour, it is probable that you will be affected by worsening symptoms and further surgery is unlikely.
Disclaimer
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.