What is a Brain Tumor Surgery?

Brain tumor surgery arises from the glial cells or supportive tissue of the brain or spinal cord. The glial cells in the brain help to keep the neurons in the proper location and functioning well. When these cells become cancerous, it may require a brain tumor operation, especially in cases like gliomas, which often need specialized glioma treatment and glioma surgery for effective management.

How is Brain Tumor Surgery identified?

The neurologist recommends the following tests if he suspects any tumor in the brain.

1. CT scan (computerized tomography)
2. MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging)

How are Brain Tumor Surgery treated?

The treatment of brain tumor surgery mostly depends on the type of glioma (cell type), location of the tumor, grade of malignancy, patient’s age and physical condition.

• Surgery: Surgery is the most preferred technique because it removes the tumor completely. CT scans and MRI aid the neurosurgeon in locating and precisely removing the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: This mode of treatment uses high-energy x-rays to kill the cancer cells. In gliomas, the RT is given in multiple small doses to minimize the side effects on the patient as well as to reduce the effects on normal brain tissue. Radiation is given in specific beams to prevent spillage and maximize effectiveness.
• Chemotherapy: This mode of treatment uses anti-cancer medications to stop the proliferation of tumor cells. The side effects are much less than conventional chemotherapy used in other cancers. The medication is frequently in the form of tablets, which don’t affect the functioning of patients at all.