Brain Tumor Treatment: Advanced Neurosurgical & Oncological Care

Introduction & Overview

A Brain Tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or its surrounding structures. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may originate within the brain (primary tumors) or spread from other organs (secondary or metastatic tumors).

Brain tumors can affect cognitive functions, motor skills, vision, and personality, depending on their location. Treatment strategies vary based on the tumor type, size, location, and grade but often include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Common Types of Brain Tumors

• Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): Most aggressive primary brain cancer.
• Meningioma: Typically benign but can be aggressive in rare cases.
• Astrocytoma: Varying grades from low to high malignancy.
• Medulloblastoma: Common in children.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Usually benign tumors of the pituitary gland.
• Metastatic Brain Tumors: Spread from cancers like lung, breast, or melanoma.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

• Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Vision or hearing changes.
• Memory loss or cognitive difficulties.
• Weakness or numbness in limbs.

Biological & Medical Insights

Tumor grade (I-IV) determines aggressiveness and guides treatment.

The brain’s complex anatomy makes surgical access challenging, requiring advanced techniques like neuronavigation and awake craniotomy.

The blood-brain barrier limits the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs, making targeted therapies and immunotherapies essential in certain cases.

Diagnosis Process

• MRI with Contrast: Gold standard for brain imaging.
• CT Scan: Useful in emergencies (e.g., suspected hemorrhage).
• Biopsy: Surgical or stereotactic for definitive diagnosis.
• PET Scans: To assess metabolic activity in certain tumors.

Treatment Options

• Surgery:
• Craniotomy for tumor removal.
• Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery for deep-seated tumors.
• Awake Craniotomy when tumors are near critical brain areas.
• Radiation Therapy:
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) for precision targeting.
• Whole-Brain Radiation for metastatic tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Agents like Temozolomide (TMZ) for gliomas.
• Targeted Therapy: e.g., Bevacizumab for GBM.
• Immunotherapy: Emerging options for certain brain tumors.

Before & After Treatment

Before: Headaches, neurological deficits, seizures, and cognitive changes.

After: Symptom relief, tumor control or remission, and improved quality of life.

Advantages of Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment

✔ Improved survival rates with multimodal approaches.

✔ Enhanced safety with real-time brain mapping and intraoperative imaging.

✔ Reduced side effects with targeted therapies.

Precautions & Risks

✔ Risk of neurological deficits post-surgery.

✔ Cognitive side effects from radiation therapy.

✔ Tumor recurrence, especially in high-grade malignancies.

Insights

✔ Tumor molecular profiling helps personalize treatments.

✔ Ongoing research in immunotherapy and tumor vaccines holds promise for aggressive cancers.

✔ Supportive care, including neuro-rehabilitation, is essential post-treatment.

Why Choose MediHelp for Brain Tumor Treatment?

✔ Advanced Neurosurgical Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art surgical technology.

✔ Multidisciplinary Tumor Board: Ensuring individualized treatment planning.

✔ Access to Clinical Trials: Offering cutting-edge therapies for high-risk cases.

✔ Comprehensive Neuro-Rehabilitation Programs: Supporting post-operative recovery and cognitive function.