Treatment
You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries.
Your healthcare team can give you information and support to help you cope. Your appointments are also a good opportunity to raise any concerns and ask questions that you might have.
How often you have follow up depends on:
your brain tumour type
the treatment you have had
your side effects
whether you have a low grade (slow growing) or a high grade (fast growing) tumour
At first, it's likely that you will see your doctor and nurse every few weeks. The appointments gradually become less frequent if you don't have any problems.
Your doctor or nurse may examine you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything.
You might also have tests at some visits. The tests may include:
blood tests
MRI scans
a hearing test
You usually have regular MRI scans after your treatment finishes. MRI scans can help to find whether the brain tumour has come back or started to grow again. How often you have MRI scans depends on your individual situation.
Find out about having MRI scans
You usually have your follow up appointments in the outpatient clinic. Your surgeon and your may share your follow up care. This means that you see them at different times, and they work together to look after you.
It is normal to worry about your health when your treatment is over. You might have had close contact with your treatment team for a long time. Less frequent appointments can make you feel like you are on your own. We have information about the support available and recovery after treatment.
Read more about coping with brain tumours
Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.
Many people find their follow up appointments quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.
It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.
Read about counselling and how to find a counsellor
You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.
Last reviewed: 03 Jun 2026
Next review due: 03 Jun 2029
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumours.
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).
Survival depends on different factors such as the type, position and grade of your brain or spinal cord tumour.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or related structures.
It can be difficult to find out that you have a brain tumour. There is practical and emotional support available to help you, your family and your friends cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
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