Monitoring
Follow-up depends on the grade of the tumor, the extent of resection, and the current treatment. It is usually done by neuro-oncologists.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are performed immediately after surgery, at the end of radiation therapy, and every 8 weeks while on active treatment. Additional MRI scans will be indicated earlier than this schedule demands if the patient reports a new headache or a new focal neurologic symptom:
For grade 1 tumors: 6 months to 1 year follow-up clinically and radiographically
For grade 2 tumors: 3-4 months follow-up
For grade 3 and 4 tumors: 2-3 months follow-up.
Depending on the stability of patients with respect to neurologic symptoms and previous MRI, the visits and scans are progressively spread out.[22]
While on chemotherapy, patients must have their blood checked regularly (complete blood count and kidney function), with interval depending on the treatment regimen.
If the tumor is located in the optico-hypothalamic region, serial ophthalmologic evaluation and endocrine laboratory testing may be appropriate.
Regular monitoring and long-term follow-up of cognitive functioning is required to assess any effects of the tumor and treatments.[42][48][50]
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