Brain Neoplasm and the Potential Impact on Self-Identity

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Brain neoplasms significantly impact neurocognitive abilities.
• Cancer treatments, while extending survival, often result in persistent neurocognitive deficits.
• The concepts of self and self-identity are frequently overlooked in neuro-oncology care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the impact of brain tumors and treatments on self-perception and identity.
• To underscore the need for exploring self and self-identity in neuro-oncology.
• To advocate for the development of assessment tools for these changes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on neurocognitive effects of brain tumors.
• Discussion of clinical implications for patient care and individualized treatment.
• Identification of research gaps concerning self and self-identity in brain tumor patients.

Main Results:

• Brain cancers and their treatments can profoundly alter neurocognitive functions.
• These alterations can challenge a patient's fundamental sense of self and identity.
• Current neuro-oncology practice inadequately addresses these psychological dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Individualized patient care must incorporate the psychological effects on self and identity.
• There is a critical need for further clinical research into self-perception changes in brain tumor patients.
• Development of a clinical tool is essential for assessing self and self-identity alterations.