Are Brain Tumour Surgeries Safe? Expert Responds On Causes, Symptoms And What To Expect

A brain tumour is the growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Brain tumours can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary brain tumours originate from cells within the brain, whereas secondary brain tumours, also known as metastatic tumours, arise from cancer cells that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body. Brain tumours can also be classified as benign or malignant, depending on their rate of growth and spread. Benign tumours are slow-growing and may be present for months to years before they are detected. In contrast, malignant tumours grow rapidly and can be present for weeks to months before they are diagnosed

How Do We Know If We Have a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour can produce a myriad of symptoms that depend on its location in the brain and rate of growth. Benign tumours may remain asymptomatic for years, or if symptomatic, the course is more gradual. On the other hand, malignant brain tumours can produce symptoms that start and progress over weeks rather than months. Sometimes, brain tumours only cause raised pressure symptoms, which often produce headaches along with nausea or vomiting or blurring of vision.

Here are some of the key symptoms listed by the neurosurgeon at Millers Road, to look out for which could indicate a brain tumour:

• Headaches that are getting worse over time, headaches that are worse in the morning, or a change in the type of headache (such as frequency, severity, or pattern).

• Visual problems such as blurring, double vision, or loss of field of vision.

• Stroke-like symptoms such as weakness of the face, arms, or legs.

• Problems with walking or balance, or tremors.

• Speech impairments such as  difficulty finding words, slurring speech, or inability to speak.

• New onset confusion or memory issues or change in personality or behaviour. 

• Seizures (especially if there is no previous history of seizures).

• Hearing issues such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears.

What can cause Brain Tumours?

The exact causes of brain tumours are not well understood, and there is no identifiable cause, unlike other types of cancer. For example, we have observed that people develop brain tumours more frequently as they age. Additionally, brain tumours are the second most common cause of cancer in young children.

While we do not know the exact causes of brain tumours, several risk factors have been identified, including:

• A weakened Immune System

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppression medications,  can be at an increased risk of developing a brain tumour such as lymphoma.

• Prior Exposure to Ionising Radiation

Exposure to ionising radiation, such as radiation therapy in childhood, can slightly increase the risk of developing a brain tumour later in life.

• Hereditary Genetic Conditions

Although very rare, a few hereditary genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Li Fraumeni syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, etc., are known to cause brain tumours.

There is currently no conclusive evidence that mobile phone usage, head or brain injuries, or viral infections cause brain tumours.

How to Deal with Brain Tumours?

When diagnosed with a brain tumour, it's important to seek advice from a neurosurgeon who will discuss treatment options with you and your family. In some cases, observation with regular scans may be considered for small, asymptomatic, benign tumours. However, in the majority of cases, surgery is the recommended treatment for brain tumours.

Is Brain Tumour Surgery Safe?

The field of neurosurgery has made significant advancements in the last few decades, particularly in the area of safety. With better understanding of brain tumours and technological advancements, brain surgery can now be carried out with greater precision and safety. In fact, recent data published in the Journal of Neurosurgery showed a mortality rate of less than 1% for patients undergoing brain tumour surgery.

Surgery for brain tumours has been proven to significantly increase survival rates compared to other treatment alternatives. In the case of benign brain tumours, surgery can be curative, and patients can go on to lead normal, healthy lives. For malignant brain tumours, surgery not only prolongs life but also increases the effectiveness of other forms of therapy while improving the quality of life. 

What are other forms of Treatment for Brain Tumours?

In addition to surgery, other forms of therapy may be recommended to treat brain tumours. At a top neurology hospital in Millers Road, these therapies are particularly important in cases of malignant tumours and are typically used in combination with surgery.

Other treatments for brain tumours include:

• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a primary treatment for tumours that cannot be removed by surgery.

• Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells and can be used in combination with radiation therapy or as a primary treatment for brain tumours.

• Supportive care, which includes treatments to manage symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment. This can include medications to control pain or nausea, physical therapy to maintain strength and mobility, and counselling to help patients and their families cope with the emotional challenges of cancer.

Brain surgery has come a long way in terms of safety and success rates. Advancements in technology and skilled surgical teams have significantly improved outcomes for patients. If you are experiencing brain tumour symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and timely surgery can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome. Research has proven that surgically treating brain tumours can significantly increase survival rates compared to other alternatives. Surgery is the recommended treatment for most brain tumours, and in some cases, it can be curative. Remember, there is always hope in life; surgery can save lives and improve quality of life.

FAQs

Some frequnetly asked question and their respective answers regarding brain tumours are provided below:

• How long does it take to remove a brain tumour surgically? 

The duration of brain tumour surgery depends on the size and location of the tumour. It can take several hours to complete the surgery.

• How long does it take to recover from brain tumour surgery? 

The length of stay after surgery varies based on the complexity of the tumour and individual circumstances. Most surgeries require a short hospital stay, but some may require a longer hospital stay or rehabilitation.

• Will I require radiation or chemotherapy following brain tumour surgery? 

The need for radiation or chemotherapy after brain tumour surgery depends on the type of tumour and the portion removed during surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the treatment options with you based on your individual situation.

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