For small meningiomas detected early, residual tumors after incomplete surgical resection, or post-operative recurrences, Gamma Knife therapy can be directly applied. This is particularly advantageous for meningioma patients where complete surgical removal is challenging, complications are frequent, and recurrence rates are high. Gamma Knife treatment effectively avoids surgical drawbacks and improves cure rates.
Side effects typically subside after meningioma radiotherapy concludes.
During treatment, patients expend significant energy on self-recovery. Fatigue arises from the tumor's inherent pressure, daily commutes for therapy, and radiation's impact on healthy cells. Most individuals experience exhaustion within weeks of starting radiotherapy, with fatigue intensifying as treatment progresses.However, weakness and fatigue will gradually subside after treatment concludes. Beyond fatigue, radiotherapy may cause skin sensitivity at the treatment site, appearing reddened or wrinkled. After several weeks, the skin may become dry due to radiation exposure. Patients should promptly report these symptoms to their doctor, who will provide recommendations to alleviate discomfort. These skin-related side effects typically resolve within weeks after treatment ends. In some cases, the irradiated skin may appear slightly darker than before.Patients should handle their skin with care, ensuring the treated area is not constricted by tight clothing. Avoid applying extremely cold or hot items, such as hot towels or ice packs, directly to the radiation site. Refrain from applying various ointments to prevent layering on the skin surface, which could interfere with the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy may also cause hair loss. While most meningioma patients know their hair will regrow after treatment, many find the experience challenging. The extent of regrowth depends on the radiation dose and treatment modality. After hair loss, the scalp becomes sensitive; patients should wear hats or scarves for protection.
Radiation therapy rarely lowers white blood cell or platelet counts, which help the body fight infection and prevent bleeding. However, if blood tests during meningioma treatment show a decrease in these counts due to radiation, treatment should be paused for one week to allow blood cell counts to recover.
Radiation therapy also affects patients' diet and digestion. However, patients with a good appetite can largely manage radiation side effects and enhance treatment outcomes. Therefore, meningioma patients undergoing radiation should consume ample protein and calories even when not hungry, adding powdered milk, yogurt, honey, or liquid supplements to beverages.