Brain & Spinal Cord Cancers

Treatment & Care

Alternative and Complementary (Integrative) Medical Approaches to the Treatment of Cancer

In general, cancer-related alternative medicine refers to therapies, such as mistletoe or coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10)*, that may be used instead of conventional treatments. Complementary or integrative medicine, on the other hand, usually means therapies used in conjunction with traditional treatments.

Treatment for Spinal Tumors

According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal treatment of a spinal tumor is to eliminate the tumor completely. However, this goal is complicated by the risk of permanent damage to the surrounding nerves. Doctors also must take into account your age, overall health, the type of tumor and whether it is primary or has spread to the spine.

Treatment for Brain Cancer Depends on Many Factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for a brain tumor — along with survival odds — depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, as well as your age and overall health.

Initial treatment of a brain tumor may include steroid medications to reduce swelling and inflammation of brain tissue. Anticonvulsant medications may help prevent or control seizures.