1. Try the Surgical Option to Physically Remove the Tumor
You may or may not be a viable candidate for operative surgery. Only you and your physician can make that determination, based on the size, type and placement of the optic glioma as well as your age, medical history, physical condition and willingness to move forward. Since many optic gliomas are benign, you may consider delaying the surgery until such time as it's absolutely necessary. The surgery does carry critical risks, including bleeding in the brain, infection, inflammation and vision loss (as a result of damage to the optic nerve). That said, if the surgery to remove the glioma is successful, it can relieve symptoms permanently.
2. Undergo Chemotherapy or Targeted Drug Therapy
Brain surgeons are constantly discovering new and more effective chemotherapies to destroy tumor cells and optic nerve gliomas. Medications can be given intravenously or orally, injected directly into the spinal column or released through a wafer at the sight of the removal of the glioma. Chemotherapy can be an effective counterpoint or alternative to direct surgery. However, this treatment is not without its side effects and dangers. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, nausea, negative interactions with other drugs you may be on and depression.
3. Use Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Other Forms of Controlled Radiation Therapy
Radiosurgery can be very effective in destroying tumor cells in a controlled and directed fashion. Unlike chemotherapy and direct surgery, which either physically or chemically bludgeons the tumor area, radiosurgery can be precision oriented and efficient. Recuperating from radiosurgery can be difficult. You may experience irritation on the scalp, exhaustion and nausea, but most patients leave the hospital the same day that treatment is administered. Talk to your doctor to evaluate and compare treatment options and disclose any conditions that might contraindicate any of the aforementioned treatments.
