TreatIndia

What is Brain Tumour?
Brain Tumours are small masses that develop in the brain as a result of uncontrollable multiplication and growth of abnormal cells which accumulate over time resulting in the formation of a lump. The size and location of the tumour vary from one person to another. Glial tumours, that originate from the glial cells, are the most common type of brain tumour, accounting for 50 to 60 per cent of all the cases.

There are various different types of brain tumours which are broadly classified into two categories - benign and malignant.
Benign brain tumours are non-cancerous in nature, which means that they are not very aggressive and do not metastasize to other parts of the body. These usually grow at a very slow pace and some it will stop growing after a certain point.

Malignant brain tumours, on the other hand, are cancerous in nature. These are very aggressive and grow at a very fast pace. Malignant brain tumours have a tendency to spread to other areas of the body via metastasis. Malignant brain tumours that develop in the brain are known as primary brain tumours whereas metastatic brain tumours that develop in other areas of the body are referred to as secondary brain tumours.

Some of the common symptoms associated with brain tumours include:

Persistent and sudden onsets of headaches
Unexplained nausea and vomiting
Problems with vision and hearing
Loss of sensation in the limbs
Difficulties with speech and balance
Behavioural changes
Fainting
Coordination problems

The risks of brain tumour usually increase with age. Ethnic origin and family history, too, play a major role.

Things you need to know

The surgery takes anywhere between 3 to 5 hours
You will be required to stay in the hospital for around 3 days to a week depending upon your pace of recovery
Your every length of day will be around 6 to 8 weeks.

How Health Orioles helps to find the best healthcare facility in India?
Over the last few years, India has become one of the leading hubs for medical tourism, attracting a countless number of patients from across borders and seas. With hundreds and thousands of options to choose from, it becomes rather difficult to make your decision. With a curated list of around 101 Hospitals & Clinics and 95 doctors & surgeons, Health Orioles is your ultimate guide to finding quality treatment in India.
We provide you with access to the top doctors and surgeons specializing in Brain Tumour Surgery, to help you make an informed decision and ensure the right optimization of your time and finances.
Connect with us to know more about your treatment and how we plan your medical journey with our experts.

How to prepare for the treatment?

You will be required to undergo several examinations which include MRI, PET scan and CT scan, so as to evaluate and assess the size and location of the tumour.
A biopsy will be conducted so as to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant
You need to make sure that your doctor is well aware of your medical history
You need to inform your doctor about any medication that you have been taking
You need to refrain from eating or drinking anything, starting 12 hours prior to the surgery
A neurological examination will be conducted right before the surgery to compare pre and post-operative results.

Procedure involved

The surgery involved in the removal of a brain tumour is commonly referred to as Craniotomy.
The procedure is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia.
You will be made to lie down on a bed and your skull will be held in position with the help of a 3-pin skull fixation device.
A brain relaxing drug will be given to help you relax.
Infrared cameras will be used for imaging guidance which will be compared with the 3D computer model created from the patient's MRI scans. This helps to easily locate the tumours and lesions.
The doctors will make an incision along the hairline, so as to lift the skin and muscles
Small burr holes are drilled in the skull with the help of surgical drilling equipment.
The craniotome is introduced via these burr holes to cut a bone flap, which is then removed to expose the dura.
Once the brain is exposed, the surgeon will carefully open a passage between the brain and the skull.
Using special instruments and precise imaging guidance, the surgeon will carefully extract the tumour
Once the procedure is done, the incisions are sealed and the bone flap is placed back in its position.

What to expect after the procedure?

Headache and local pain are quite normal after the surgery and can be taken care of with the help of prescribed medication
There may be slight bleeding from the surgical site
The skin will be healed within a week, whereas the bones may take a couple of weeks
The symptoms that you were experiencing due to the tumour will be completely resolved within a few days or weeks
You might require chemotherapy to get rid of the cells that were left intact during the surgery
You need to refrain from indulging in any rigorous physical activity and avoid stress

Potential risks you need to know about