Brain Tumors Treatment in India
What is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor refers to an abnormal growth of cells within the brain, a condition that can occur in both adults and children. Brain tumors are classified into two main categories: cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign). Malignant tumors are typically more aggressive and serious than benign tumors. With approximately 140 types documented, brain tumors can vary widely in their characteristics and effects. They are further categorized as either primary or metastatic tumors. Primary tumors originate within the brain and do not spread beyond it, whereas metastatic tumors originate elsewhere in the body and migrate to the brain via lymphatic or blood tissue. Common sources of metastatic brain tumors include kidney cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer.
What Causes Brain Tumors?
While the precise cause of brain tumors remains elusive, several factors have been identified as potential contributors :
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Types of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can lead to various neurological issues, and they come in diverse forms. Some common types of brain tumors include:
Brain Tumor Surgery
Surgery stands as the primary method for removing brain tumors. While non-cancerous (benign) tumors often necessitate surgery alone, cancerous (malignant) tumors typically require a combination of surgical intervention and adjunctive therapies like chemotherapy or radiation. The objectives of brain tumor surgery encompass several crucial goals :
Brain tumor surgery represents a critical component of comprehensive treatment strategies, tailored to individual patient needs and tumor characteristics, with the overarching goal of optimizing outcomes and improving patient well-being.
Treatment for Brain Tumor
Diagnosing a brain tumor typically involves the use of MRIs or CT scans. Various treatment options are available for addressing brain tumors, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The choice of treatment depends on several factors:
Proton therapy emerges as a highly effective treatment option for brain tumors. Compared to traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy offers several advantages. It minimizes side effects and reduces the risk of long-term complications. By utilizing higher doses of radiation to target brain cancer, proton therapy also causes less damage to surrounding tissues. Moreover, the success rate of this therapy is notably high.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is recognized as one of the most serious and prevalent types of malignant brain tumors, falling under the category of gliomas. While GBM primarily forms within the cerebral hemispheres, it can also extend to the spinal cord, brainstem, and other areas of the brain. Key characteristics of GBM include:
Astrocytoma Brain Tumor
Astrocytoma, arising from astrocytes, the star-shaped supportive cells in the brain, is a significant form of brain tumor. Grouped with ependymal and oligodendrocytes under glial cells, it manifests in four grades: Grade I to IV. Symptoms commonly include intracranial pressure elevation, mental status alterations, headaches, and vomiting, alongside confusion, drowsiness, personality changes, lethargy, and behavioral anomalies. Treatment predominantly involves radiation therapy for managing gliomas.
Inoperable Brain Tumor
An inoperable brain tumor refers to a tumor that cannot be safely removed through surgical means due to its intricate location. Despite being challenging to access surgically, various treatments exist for managing such tumors. These tumors are deemed inoperable precisely because of their complex positioning within the brain. While they may progress slowly, their growth can be managed using radiation therapy and medications to control their development.
Benefits of Brain Tumor Surgery
The benefits of brain tumor surgery vary depending on individual circumstances. The primary objective of brain tumor surgery is to address various types of brain tumors simultaneously. By undergoing brain tumor treatment, individuals can experience symptom alleviation and achieve an enhanced quality of life.
Recovery After Brain Tumor Surgery
Following brain tumor surgery, patients are typically advised to undergo speech therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. These therapies are aimed at expediting the recovery process, enabling patients to resume their daily activities as quickly as possible.
Success and Survival Rate for Brain Tumors
The survival rate for brain tumors is influenced by several factors including tumor size, location, and type. Typically measured as the percentage of individuals surviving five years after diagnosis, survival rates vary across age groups. Among those aged 45-64, the survival rate stands at approximately 16%, while for children, it reaches 65%. Individuals aged 15-45 demonstrate a survival rate of 55%. These statistics underscore the complex interplay between age and tumor characteristics in determining prognosis for brain tumor patients.
Cost of Brain Tumor Surgery
India is globally recognized for its cutting-edge medical facilities and state-of-the-art technology, particularly in the field of brain tumor surgery. Some of the finest hospitals offering specialized care for brain tumors are located in India. Importantly, the cost of brain tumor surgery in India is significantly lower compared to that in other developed countries. This combination of advanced medical expertise and more affordable healthcare services makes India an attractive destination for individuals seeking high-quality treatment for brain tumors at a more accessible cost.
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
