Follow up after brain tumour treatment

You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. This is called follow up.

You also have tests including blood tests, x-rays and scans. Over time, these appointments might become less frequent.

Why you have follow up appointments

You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are and see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often you have follow up

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 every few weeks. The appointments gradually become less frequent if you don't have any problems.  

Find out more about how often you have check ups for your type of brain tumour

What happens

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

MRI scans

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 depend on your individual situation. 

Find out about having MRI scans