It makes sense that being diagnosed with a brain tumor sounds alarming. This can be frightening to consider that something could develop inside such an important organ. Here, surgery is still one of the safest and most successful ways to treat brain tumors. You might visit the most trusted neurology hospital in Siliguri or at your nearest location.
If you know how surgery operates, what you can expect, how it's done safely, et al, these can provide clarity and peace of mind if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Medical science has made tremendous strides in this regard, and treatments have come a long way.
In basic, easy-to-understand language, this guide tells you how brain tumors can be successfully treated with surgery, what contemporary methods doctors employ, and how patients recover afterward.
Knowing What Brain Tumors Are and Why Surgery Is Required
An abnormal development of brain cells is called a brain tumor, and these tumors may be:
- Benign (non-cancerous) tumors do not spread to other areas of the body and grow slowly.
- Malignant (cancerous) tissues can spread to neighboring tissues and grow faster.
Because the skull is a tight region, you should know that even a benign tumor can induce severe symptoms. As the tumor expands, it may put pressure on adjacent brain regions, impairing speech, movement, memory, or vision.
Surgery is frequently the initial course of treatment since it can:
- Release the stress on the brain.
- Diminish symptoms like headaches and convulsions.
- Assist physicians in verifying the type of tumor by biopsy.
- Boost the efficacy of other therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
In summary, brain tumor surgery has the potential to both improve and save lives.
When Do Medical Professionals Suggest Brain Tumor Surgery?
Not every brain tumor needs treatment like surgery right away. The choice is influenced by various factors, including:
When Do Medical Professionals Suggest Surgery for Brain Tumors?
Not all brain tumors need to be operated on right away. The choice is influenced by various elements, including:
1. Location of the tumor: Surgery is frequently recommended if the tumor is in an accessible part of the brain.
2. Tumor size and type: Tumors that grow larger or more quickly are more likely to require excision.
3. Symptoms: If the tumor is causing discomfort, pressure, or neurological problems, surgery may be helpful.
4. Overall health: Surgical safety is influenced by the patient's age and health.
To determine the precise location of the tumor and the most effective way to remove it with the least amount of risk, your neurosurgeon will do comprehensive imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans.
Brain Tumor Surgery Types
Brain surgery comes in a variety of forms, and depending on the size, location, and intricacy of the tumor, doctors employ several surgical techniques.
The most prevalent kinds are as follows:
1. Open brain surgery, or craniotomy
Did you know that the most conventional and popular approach is this one?
In order to access the brain, the brain tumor surgeon temporarily removes a small portion of the skull during a craniotomy. Surgeons remove as much of the tumor as is safe using sophisticated imaging and microscopes.
The scalp is then closed, and the bone flap is restored. Due to computer guidance systems, modern craniotomy techniques are accurate and frequently minimally invasive.
2. Surgery with neuroendoscopy
Brain tumor surgeons perform this minimally invasive surgery by inserting an endoscope (a tiny camera) through the nose or a tiny hole in the skull.
Because of this, tumors located deep within the brain can be removed with little harm to the surrounding tissue. It is often applied to ventricular or pituitary tumors.
3. Stereotactic Surgery
This type of brain tumor surgery guides the surgeon's tools to the precise tumor spot using computer-assisted, three-dimensional imaging. It minimizes damage to healthy brain cells by enabling exceptional precision. A biopsy, which involves removing a tiny sample of tumor tissue for examination, might also be carried out occasionally.
4. Laser Ablation Surgery
Tumor cells are destroyed by concentrated heat in laser therapy. Using MRI imagery as a guide, a tiny probe is introduced into the brain.
For patients who cannot have regular surgery because of the location of the tumor or the risk to their health, it offers a potential alternative.
5. Awake Brain Surgery (Awake Craniotomy)
Under local anesthetic, patients may be awake throughout some procedures while the surgeon performs the procedure. Why? This enables medical professionals to keep an eye on speech, movement, and other brain activities in real time and prevent harm to vital regions. Tumors close to brain regions that regulate essential activities like speech or movement are frequently treated with it.
During Surgery
Depending on the type of surgery, you may be given either a local or a general anesthetic. You might talk to the leading doctors at the best neurology hospital in Siliguri at North Bengal Neuro Centre.
As much of the tumor as is safe will be removed by the neurosurgeon. Sometimes, if eliminating the tumor would harm important brain regions, a tiny portion of the tumor may remain. The surviving cells may be the focus of other therapies like radiation.
Following Surgery
Patients will stay in the hospital for a few days, usually beginning in the intensive care unit (ICU) for careful observation. Temporary symptoms such as headache, nausea, or mild confusion may be experienced by patients; these symptoms often go away with time. In order to regain strength, balance, and coordination, most patients begin physical therapy shortly after surgery.
Brain surgery is no different from other surgeries in that it carries some risk, and complications could include:
- Blood loss or infection
- Enlargement of the brain
- Tremors
Neurological abnormalities (speech, vision, or mobility problems) that are either temporary or permanent. Most patients recover well due to enhanced post-operative care, competent surgeons, and advanced imaging.
To prevent problems, doctors also employ anti-seizure drugs and steroids to reduce swelling.
Final Words
Although hearing the term "brain tumor" can be frightening, it's crucial to keep in mind that the success rate of treatment has never been higher.
Brain tumor surgery is now safer and more successful because of trained surgeons, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive methods. Speak with your doctor at one of the top neurological doctors in Siliguri or near you.
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