Everything You Need To Know About Brain Tumour Surgery

What is a Brain Tumor Surgery?

Brain Tumor Surgery is the primary course of action for treating brain tumors. Brain tumor, also known as Intracranial tumor, is the growth of abnormal cells in the brain that develop in an uncontrolled manner. The development can be a malignant brain tumor (cancerous) or a benign brain tumor (non-cancerous). The surgery helps remove the tumor from the brain, preventing further complications.

Brain tumor surgery also fulfills the following objectives:

• Full or partial removal of the tumor
• Obtaining tissue samples for diagnosis
• Creating access for doing Chemotherapy
• Relieve the pressure caused by the tumor

What are the different types of Brain Tumor Surgery?

Brain tumor operation is essential for eradicating abnormal cell growth and preventing it from growing. The different types of brain tumor surgery are as follows:

• Biopsy:

Biopsy is performed to collect a tissue sample to confirm a malignant brain tumor.

• Craniotomy:

A standard procedure involving surgical removal of the tumor from the brain. An incision is made to remove a piece of the skull to reveal the tumor and operate on it by removing it partially or completely.

• Shunt:

As the tumor grows inside the skull, it creates pressure causing different symptoms. A shunt is a flexible tube inserted by making a small hole in the skull to drain the accumulated fluids.

• Neuroendoscopy:

The minimally invasive method that removes the tumor from a small hole made in the skull.

• Endonasal Endoscopy:

An endoscope with a tiny camera is inserted through the nostril to remove the tumor or collect a sample for biopsy.

What causes Brain Tumours?

How a brain tumor occurs depends on the origination and the type of the tumor. Other factors contribute to the formation of tumors in the brain. The types of brain tumors and what causes them are as follows:

• Primary Brain Tumor:

The tumor originates in the brain's tissues, membranes, glands, or nerves. The cause of the tumor is the mutation of the DNA of the normal cells. The mutations or alterations cause the cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in abnormal growth.

• Secondary Brain Tumor:

Secondary or Metastatic brain tumors are caused when cancer from other body organs reaches the brain.

Other risk factors that can lead to brain tumors can be

• Radiation Exposure:

Prolonged radiation exposure from X-rays or other treatments may increase the chances of developing a brain tumor.

• Genetics:

People with a family history of cancer or a particular genetic makeup are more susceptible to developing a brain tumor.

What are the symptoms of a Brain Tumour?

The symptoms of a brain tumor vary on the basis of size, location, and whether it is a malignant brain tumor or a benign one. Following are some of the symptoms indicative of a tumor:

• Severe headache upon waking or while sleeping
• Blurred or Double Vision
• Seizures
• Loss of Memory or Mental Confusion
• Numbness in the face or a tingling sensation
• Weakness in other parts of the body
• Vomiting
• Feeling dizzy or loss of balance
• Difficulty in speaking and understanding

If you are experiencing symptoms of a brain tumor, enquire now or book an appointment at Gleneagles Aware Hospitals, L B Nagar, Hyderabad, for consultation with our specialist and senior neuro consultant, Dr. J. Gauri Shankar.

How is Brain Tumor diagnosed?

Diagnosis for a Brain Tumor involves a series of tests and procedures to determine the nature of the tumor for appropriate treatment.

• Physical examination by the specialist.
• Taking account of the symptoms, family history, and previous medical conditions.
• Neurological exams check memory and motor skills, vision, hearing, and reflexes.
• Diagnostic tests like MRI and CT Scan to ascertain the size, location, and spread of the tumor.
• A biopsy might be conducted to obtain a sample for pathological examination.
• Spinal Tap procedure to extract spinal fluid and examine it for malignancy.

Diagnosis of a brain tumor is essential for ensuring timely treatment and controlling the condition from worsening. Enquire now or book an appointment at Gleneagles Aware Hospitals, L B Nagar, Hyderabad to avail our cutting-edge diagnostic facilities and consultation with our cancer care specialists.

What are the risks and complications related to Brain Tumour Surgery?

Brain tumor surgery, like any other surgical operation, has its risks and complications. The complications' severity varies based on the type of brain tumor, size, location, and the process conducted. The difficulties related to brain surgery are as follows:

• Swelling and infection
• Internal Bleeding
• Blood clot formation
• Seizures during or post-surgery
• Affect on speech, memory, and coordination
• Reaction to Anaesthesia
• Weakness of hands/legs

If you are experiencing any of the above complications post your brain tumor operation, contact your doctor immediately for treatment.

How to prevent Brain Tumours?

A brain tumor cannot be prevented. However, some precautions can be taken to reduce the chances of occurrence.

• Avoid hazardous environmental conditions like exposure to radiation or smoking.
• Constant contact and exposure to chemicals and pesticides can likely increase the chances of developing a brain tumor. Therefore, maintaining a cleaner and healthier home and work environment is advisable.
• If you have a family history of cancer or brain tumor, connect with your healthcare provider for mapping and early detection.

You can also enquire now or book an appointment with some of our best neurologists in Hyderabad at Gleneagles Aware Hospitals, L B Nagar, Hyderabad, for consultation with our cancer care specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the recovery period of a brain tumor surgery?

Recovery from brain tumor operation depends on the age and health of the patient, the type of procedure performed, and the body’s response to the treatment. You will have to stay at the hospital for a couple of weeks. A more extended stay might be required in case of post-operative complications.

What is the cost of brain tumor surgery?

Brain tumor operation cost ranges from INR 1,50,000 to INR 7,50,000. The cost of the surgery varies depending on the city, hospital infrastructure, and type of procedure.

Can brain tumors be cured?

If diagnosed early, a brain tumor can be removed, and the spread of cancer to the entire brain and other parts of the body can be controlled. Some aggressive types of brain tumors are challenging to treat and may keep recurring.

Who is more likely to develop a brain tumor?

People of any gender can develop brain tumors at any age. Those with a history of brain tumors in the family are at a greater risk of developing the disease.