In short
Treatment depends on whether the tumour is benign or malignant, where it sits, and how fast it grows. Options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Some slow-growing tumours are watched with scans. World Aid Network funds treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. We do not replace NHS care in the UK.
A neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team plans care. Location next to speech or movement areas changes what surgery can safely remove.
What does surgery aim to do?
Remove as much tumour as is safe, relieve pressure, and obtain a diagnosis. Complete removal is not always possible without harming function.
When is radiotherapy used?
After surgery for many malignant tumours, or as the main treatment when surgery is not safe. Stereotactic radiosurgery is used for some small, well-defined lesions.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careWhat drugs are used?
Temozolomide is a common chemotherapy for some gliomas. Steroids reduce swelling. Not every tumour is treated with chemotherapy. Clinical trials exist in the NHS; World Aid Network does not run trials.
Key takeaways
- Treatment is highly individual.
- Surgery, radiotherapy and drugs may be combined.
- WAN funds overseas bills, not UK neurosurgery.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Can a benign tumour still need surgery?
Yes, if it presses on the brain or is growing.
Will I lose my hair?
Radiotherapy to the head often causes hair loss in the treated area. Chemotherapy effects depend on the drug.
Do you fund brain tumour research?
No. Donations pay for clinical treatment access overseas.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.