A brain tumor is a type of brain cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. It can be cancerous as well as non-cancerous. A brain tumor can become life-threatening for the patient, leaving his quality of life uncertain
There are many types of brain cancer such as glioblastoma multiforme, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and medulloblastoma and they are not all the same. The most common type of brain cancer is glioblastoma multiforme. It is the most aggressive type of brain tumor.
Each type of brain tumor has a different prognosis and treatment plan. Brain tumors are of two types one is benign and another is malignant.
What Is Brain Tumor Surgery?
A brain tumor is a condition in which a tumor forms within the cells of the brain. Tumor surgery is a complicated procedure that requires a large hospital team of doctors, nurses, and anaesthesiologists.
Brain tumor surgery is the process of removing the tumor from the brain performed by a neurosurgeon. This is done by opening the skull and removing the tumor with a scalpel. The tumor is then sent to the pathologist to be examined.
Symptoms of Brain Tumor
symptoms of brain tumor Includes visual changes, loss of sight, insomnia, dizziness, irritability, headaches, and mood swings etc.
Generally, symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor. Each location has its symptoms. But some most common symptoms are as follows:
- Severe headache, especially in the morning or at night, which causes the patient to wake up
- Vomiting and nausea
- Weakening of eyesight
- Difficulties while speaking or thinking
- Loss of memory
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Double or blurry vision
- Seizures
- Weakness in body muscles and difficulty in walking
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Mood swings and trouble thinking
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Types of Brain Tumors
There are about 130 different forms of tumors that can grow in the brain, depending on the tissue from which they arise.
Brain tumors are of two types: benign or malignant.
1. Benign tumor:
some non-cancerous tumor are as follow:
- Meningioma
These tumors develop in the meninges, which are the membrane-like structures that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- Schwannoma
It is a type of nerve tumor that originates from the cells known as Schwann cells. It develops in the nerve sheaths of your peripheral nervous system
- Pituitary adenomas
The majority of pituitary adenomas are slow-growing and harmless. This tumor grows in the pituitary gland
- Craniopharyngiomas
Craniopharyngiomas are a non-cancerous tumor that grows near the pituitary glands this sort of tumor affects children, as well as men and women in their 50s and 60s.
Read Also – What Causes Brain Tumor in Teenager?
2. Malignant tumor-
tumor contains cancerous cells are as follow:
- Glioblastomas
Glioblastomas are a subtype of glioma, which is a form of brain tumor that develops from glial cells. It is the most dangerous sort of cancer. The growth of this cancer is very fast compared to others. This form of cancer is classified as GRADE4.
- Ependymoma
Ependymoma is a type of glioma that can develop in the brain or spinal cord. Ependymoma begins in the ependymal cells of the brain and spinal cord, which line the passages through which the fluid that nourishes your brain flows (cerebrospinal fluid).
IT BEGINS WITH EPENDYMAL CELLS. Ependymomas develop when particular types of glial cells known as ependymal cells proliferate uncontrollably. Ependymomas can occur at any age, however, they are more common in youngsters.
- Astrocytoma’s
Astrocytoma’s are brain tumors that form in the brain and spinal cord. They begin in a specific type of glial cell, star-shaped brain cells in the cerebrum known as astrocytes. The signs and symptoms of astrocytoma are determined by the location of your tumor.
- Hemangiopericytomas
Hemangiopericytomas are a severe case of tumor that affects blood vessels and soft tissues. It can start in any section of the body. The brain, lower limbs, pelvic area, head, and neck are the most commonly reported areas.
Medical Tests for Detecting Brain Tumour
There are plenty of test through which we can detect brain tumor are as follow:
- Neurological test
A neurological exam is sometimes known as a physical exam. This test is used to assess the muscle strength of the limbs. This type of test comprises walking, balancing, and memory tests.
- MRI
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is the most important investigation in brain tumor detection. It tells us about location of tumor, extent of spread and size of the tumor. It gives a idea about the type of tumor. MRI is helpful in surgical planning.
- CT scan
CT scan is a type of imaging examination that provides more comprehensive images of the bone structures surrounding a brain tumor A CT scan of the brain is frequently performed to aid in the diagnosis of a brain tumor. It can aid in determining the location of the tumor and whether it has spread.
- Angiography
X-rays are used in this process to generate several, detailed pictures of the blood arteries in the brain. An angiography may be used to plan the surgical removal of a tumor. Angiography involves the injection of dye into the bloodstream and the use of x-rays to map the size and form of blood arteries.
Read Also – How Is Brain Tumor Detected?
Treatment options for Brain Tumor
There are several therapies available depending on the size and location of the tumor. Some of the treatments are as follow:
- Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a procedure performed by a neurosurgeon in which a part of the skull is taken out temporarily so that the surgeon can access the brain and remove a tumor. Craniotomy and tumor excision in benign brain tumors is completely curable in almost all cases. Because it is not always possible to remove all cancerous cells, this treatment along with other treatment options work more effectively.
- Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy x-ray beams to destroy tumor cells. This radiation is emitted by a machine located outside of your body. Radiation is more effective in killing actively dividing cells.
- Chemotherapy for brain tumor
Chemotherapy is another treatment option for brain tumors. Chemotherapy is the process that kills cancer cells. It is a medication given to stop the spread of cancer cells. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments or alone.
Read also – What is Chemotherapy For Brain Tumor?
- Targeted therapy
This medication is used to treat brain and spinal cord tumors. Drugs are used in this treatment to target specific chemicals in cancer cells.
Generally, this sort of treatment is used to eliminate cancer cells that remain after surgery, hence lowering the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
Factors Affecting Brain Tumor Surgery Cost in India
The following are some of the factors that influence the cost of brain tumor surgery:
- Because there are many different ways to treat a brain tumor, the type of treatment utilized also has an impact on the overall cost.
- Doctors from surgeons to physiotherapists to dieticians make up the total team.
- The hospital patient has chosen.
- Location is also an essential consideration. If the hospital is in a posh neighbourhood, the prices are higher than in other areas.
- The Hospital’s Brand Value The more well-known the facility, the greater the surgical fees.
- The size, location, and severity of the tumor all play a factor in the overall cost of brain tumor surgery.
How much does Brain tumor surgery cost in India?
The cost of brain surgery varies depending on where you live. The cost of brain surgery in India varies according to the type of surgery performed and at which hospital. Some additional aspects influence the entire cost of surgery, such as selecting the greatest neurosurgeons and selecting a lavish hospital, which all contribute to the overall cost of treatment.
In India, the starting price for brain tumor surgery is around INR 95,000 whereas the maximum can go up to INR 5,00,000.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: Should a person be worried about Headaches?
Headaches are fairly frequent these days, and there are many different sorts of headaches. They can be caused by work stress or by any other condition.
You should be worried only if you facing such symptoms which are as follow:
- Frequent Headaches that prohibit you from doing your day-to-day task.
- Headaches that strike suddenly at particular part of your head.
- Head discomfort that gets worse when you cough or move around
- Headaches along with a severe red eye.
Q 2: What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?
Tumors are divided into two categories: benign and malignant tumors. Benign cells are non-cancerous and grow slowly, but malignant cells are cancerous and can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Q 3: What possible problems should a patient look for after the surgery?
Swelling of the brain can occur after brain surgery.
Following are some issues you may encounter following surgery:
- Weakness / fatigue
- A lack of coordination or a lack of balance
- Changes in personality or behavior
- confusion or memory loss
- difficulties with your speaking
- Seizures
Q 4: When can a patient start there day to day activity after the surgery?
For the first four weeks after surgery, avoid excessive activities. It may be difficult to return to work soon following brain surgery, depending on your career and any challenges you may have. Complete recovery after brain surgery takes roughly 4-8 weeks on average.
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About Author
Dr. Eshan Nerkar
Neurologist And Neurosuegeon
Dr. Eshan Nerkar, Consultant Brain & Spine Surgeon in Nashik specializes in Spine Surgery. He practices at AXON Brain & Spine Clinic. He is one of the best neurosurgeons in Nashik with more than 10 years of experience. He has performed more than 1000 surgeries related to brain and spinal surgery procedures.
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