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Tumors are abnormal lumps of tissue that form as a result of rapid and unprecedented cell division. They might be malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous). Brain tumors are those that begin in the brain or spread to the brain from other parts of the body. Brain cancer occurs when brain tumors become malignant. Brain tumors affect approximately 3.7 per 100,000 men and 2.6 per 100,000 women worldwide each year. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the primary techniques for treating brain tumors. The 5-year survival rate following treatment is 36%. The individual's recovery is determined by their health, age, the existence or absence of comorbidities, and the effectiveness of the brain cancer treatment plan. This article delves into the details of surgical and non-surgical techniques for brain tumor therapy.
Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in and around the brain. Gliomas, which originate in the brain or spinal cord, account for 78% of all adult malignant brain tumors. Brain tumors can be of two types: primary brain tumors and secondary brain tumors.
Types of Brain Tumor Treatment Options
Although just one-third of brain tumors are malignant, all of them can impair brain function. The two primary ways of brain tumor treatment are surgical and non-surgical.
Importance of Identifying Treatment Options
Individuals' treatment approaches for brain tumors or cancers differ. It depends on the following key factors: age, type, location, and size; overall health; and side effects. The treatment plans for brain tumors varied between children and adults. Choosing the appropriate treatment technique based on the characteristics listed above is critical to achieving the greatest results.
Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumors
Brain tumor surgery is usually the first line of treatment for brain tumors. It requires removing both the malignancy and its surrounding tissue. Surgical procedures improve the prognosis for those with brain tumors. Recent developments in surgery (such as cortical mapping, better imaging, and fluorescent dyes) and neuronavigation devices that aid in maximum resection (the removal of damaged tissue) have resulted in faster recovery times. The different surgical treatment options for brain tumors are craniotomy, endoscopic surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, neuroendoscopy and biopsy.
Side Effects
The majority of side effects following brain tumor surgery are determined by the tumor's location in the brain. Surgical difficulties such as foreign object retention, wrong-side surgery, and neurological issues can all cause post-operative complications. Although surgery is a reasonably safe approach for treating brain cancer, some people may experience complications such as infection, bleeding, or swelling.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumors
Many breakthrough medicines have made it possible to treat brain tumors without the need for surgery. The majority of benign brain tumors can be treated without surgery. For cancerous ones, surgery may be required. However, post-surgery, non-surgical therapeutic methods can help prevent relapses. The following section discusses some popular non-surgical treatments for brain tumors. The different non-surgical treatment options for brain tumors are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, electro-field therapy, symptomatic treatment and target therapy.
Side Effects
Non-surgical brain cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can have short-term consequences. They normally subside after a few weeks. However, some people may experience lifetime consequences such as hair loss or thinning, skin redness, and increasing symptoms. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and cognitive changes are some of the most prevalent side effects of non-surgical brain tumor treatment.
Conclusion
Although brain tumors are treatable, if detected early, they may reoccur. A brain tumor surgery is the standard therapeutic choice for removing the tumor and surrounding tissue. Non-surgical techniques such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used to prevent the spread of malignant cells after surgery or to treat benign tumors. The most effective treatment approach varies depending on the patient's age and condition. Call us today to learn more about brain tumor treatments at SHALBY Sanar International Hospital in Gurugram.
Dr. Harnarayan Singh, Director and Head of the Department
Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
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