Brain tumor surgery

What it is:

Brain tumor surgery is a procedure to remove abnormal growths (tumors) from the brain. These tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible without damaging healthy brain tissue. Techniques include craniotomy, endoscopic surgery, MRI-guided laser ablation, and stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife).

Symptoms:

Symptoms that may indicate the need for brain tumor surgery include:

• Persistent or severe headaches (especially in the morning)
• Seizures or convulsions
• Vision, speech, or hearing changes
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Balance or coordination issues
• Cognitive or personality changes.

Treatment:

Treatment typically begins with imaging (MRI, CT) and may involve:

• Surgical removal (complete or partial) of the tumor
• Biopsy to determine tumor type
• Minimally invasive techniques like laser ablation or endoscopy
• Adjunct therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy post-surgery
• Rehabilitation (physical, speech, or occupational therapy) depending on the surgery’s impact