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Brain tumours are complex and challenging medical conditions that can immensely impact a person's life. When we think about brain surgery advancements, we are witnessing groundbreaking technologies in brain tumour treatment, surgical approaches, and techniques that drive progress in neurosurgical care. The article covers brain tumours, the latest advancements, important aspects of brain tumour surgeries and more.
Synopsis
What Is a Brain Tumour?
A tumour in brain symptoms is an abnormal proliferation of cells in or around the brain. These tumours can develop from brain tissue or adjacent locations such as nerves, the pituitary gland, or the brain's surface membranes.
Types of Brain Tumours
The following are the two main types of brain tumours:
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Primary Brain Tumours: These grow within the brain and can be benign or malignant. Examples are gliomas, meningiomas, nerve tumours, and pituitary tumours.
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Secondary Brain tumours: Also known as metastatic brain tumours, these occur when cancer from other parts of the body spreads to the brain. Common cancers that metastasise to the brain are breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and colon cancer.
Brain Tumour Cancer Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of brain tumours vary in size, location, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite
- Vision problems
- Loss of sensation or movement in limbs
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Speech problems
- Memory loss or cognitive changes
- Personality changes or mood swings
- Seizures
- Hearing problems
- Dizziness or vertigo
Brain Tumour Surgery
Brain tumour surgery has evolved, embracing advanced techniques and technologies prioritising patient safety and surgical precision.
1. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Neurosurgeons: Lead the surgical team and perform the brain tumour removal.
- Oncologists: The team of the best cancer doctors in Bangalore provides expertise in cancer treatment and coordinates post-surgery care like chemotherapy.
- Radiologists: Utilise imaging technology to locate tumours and assess their characteristics.
- Anesthesiologists: Ensure the patient's safety and comfort during surgery by managing anaesthesia.
2. Advanced Imaging Techniques
- MRI: Offers detailed, high-resolution images of the brain and tumour.
- CT Scans: Provide 3D images and aid in accurate tumour localisation and surgical planning.
- PET Scans: Determine the tumour's metabolic activity and assess its aggressiveness.
3. Minimally Invasive Approaches
- Endoscopic Surgery: Involves using a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions and reducing tissue damage.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Delivers focused radiation to the tumour and avoids the need for traditional open surgery.
- Laser Ablation: Uses focused laser energy to destroy tumour cells while sparing healthy brain tissue.
4. Experienced Surgical Teams
- Skilled Neurosurgeons: Specialise in brain tumour surgeries, ensuring precision and safety.
- Neurosurgical Nurses: Assist in the operating room and provide critical support during procedures.
- Surgical Technologists: Prepare and maintain surgical equipment and contribute to smooth surgical workflows.
5. Real-Time Intraoperative Monitoring
- Electroencephalography (EEG): Monitors brain activity and detects changes that may indicate potential risks during surgery.
- Neurophysiological Monitoring: Tracks nerve function and protects vital brain areas during brain tumour treatment.
6. Utilisation of Advanced Intraoperative Equipment
- Neuronavigation Systems: Provide real-time guidance and help surgeons navigate complex brain structures accurately.
- Intraoperative Ultrasound: Offers live imaging during surgery and aids in tumour visualisation and precise resection.
- CUSA (Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator): Safely removes tumour tissue while preserving surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Care and Recovery After Brain Tumour Surgery
After having brain tumour surgery, your recovery and care are crucial for a better outcome. Here's what you can expect during this time:
1. Right After Surgery
- In the Hospital: You'll spend the night in a special unit for close monitoring. You might have tubes and monitors attached to you.
- Moving Around: You'll start moving around and eating as soon as possible. Pain is normal but can be managed with medication.
2. Recovery Phase
- Follow-Up Visits: You'll have check-ups with your doctor to track progress. Tests like MRI or CT scans may be done.
- Rehabilitation: You might need therapy to regain strength and skills. It includes physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
- Healthy Habits: Eating well and staying hydrated are important. Follow your doctor's advice on diet and activity.
3. Emotional Support
- 3Talk to Someone: It's normal to feel emotions like worry or sadness. Talk to family, friends, or a counsellor for support.
- Stay Positive: Keeping a positive mindset can help with recovery. Focus on things that bring you joy and relaxation.
Medical science advancements have transformed brain tumour surgery into a safer and more effective procedure. Patients have access to innovative surgical techniques, multidisciplinary approaches and post-operative care that prioritise their well-being.
FAQ's
The tumour's aggressiveness determines the rate of brain tumour symptoms development. Grade IV glioblastomas can develop by 1.4% in a single day, but the grade I tumours grow slowly and are unlikely to metastasise.
Not every brain tumour is malignant. Malignant tumours are malignant. These tumours can develop and spread quickly. In contrast, benign tumours are not malignant.
If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumour, before starting the brain tumour treatment, bring the brain images with the report. If you had prior surgery, bring a pre-op MRI along with the MRI and pathology report. If you had chemotherapy or radiation, bring notes from the oncologist and the radiation planning MRI.
The majority of individuals who have brain tumour surgery recover remarkably well. However, you will be limited to four weeks of non-strenuous activities. It includes:
- For four weeks, no hard lifting of more than five to ten pounds
- No pressing while moving the bowels for four weeks
- No vigorous activity, including working out or jogging.
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