Treatment for brain tumours

The main treatments for brain tumours are surgery and radiotherapy. Some people might have chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health. 

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment options for brain and spinal cord tumours

The main treatment options for brain and spinal cord tumours are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Surgery for brain tumours

You might have surgery to remove all or part of your tumour. Or or to drain a build up of fluid (hydrocephalus) on your brain. 

Radiotherapy for brain tumours

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to treat brain and spinal cord tumours. 

Chemotherapy for brain tumours

You might have chemotherapy for some types of brain tumours. It uses cytotoxic drugs to destroy brain tumour cells. 

Controlling symptoms of brain tumours

You might have some medicines to help control the symptoms of your brain tumour.

If your brain tumour comes back

You might have treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy if your brain tumour comes back. 

Follow up after brain tumour treatment

You have follow up appointments to check how you are and see if you have any problems or worries.

Last reviewed: 
24 Mar 2023
Next review due: 
24 Mar 2026