A brain tumor can cause symptoms that are easy to overlook, from chronic, severe headaches to balance problems and cognitive changes. Delayed diagnosis may allow symptoms to worsen and affect overall health. Our experienced neurology and neurosurgery team at the CK Birla Hospital, offers comprehensive brain tumor treatment, focused on timely diagnosis and effective care.
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. These cells multiply in an uncontrolled way, forming a mass that can press against surrounding brain tissue and interfere with normal functions like movement, memory, speech and vision.
Some brain tumor cases are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly without spreading. But there are conditions when the tumor is malignant (cancerous) and can grow quickly, sometimes invading nearby tissue. Even a benign tumor, however, can cause serious problems depending on where it develops inside the skull, simply because the brain has limited space.
Brain tumors can originate in the brain itself (called primary brain tumors) or spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or breast (known as secondary or metastatic brain tumors).
Brain tumors are categorised based on the type of cells they originate from, their location within the brain, and how quickly they grow or spread.
Tumors are also graded from I to IV based on how quickly they grow and how likely they are to spread. Grade I being the least aggressive, Grade IV the most.
Certain factors are known to increase the risk of brain tumor. They are:
Diagnosing a brain tumor accurately is important before any treatment decision is made. It may involve:
The combined findings from imaging, biopsy, and functional tests give a complete profile of your health before recommending treatment.
The treatment approach depends on the type of tumor, its grade, location, size, and the overall health and preferences.
Surgical removal (resection) is usually the first step when the tumor is accessible. The focus is on removing as much of the tumor as possible without compromising the normal functioning of the brain. The surgery includes the following techniques:
Radiation therapy is used to destroy remaining tumor cells after surgery or as the primary treatment when surgery is not feasible. The options in this treatment includes:
It may be used alone or alongside radiation therapy to kill certain rapidly dividing cancer cells.
These advanced treatments target specific genetic changes in tumour cells or help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
A wearable non-invasive cancer therapy that uses low-intensity electric fields to help prevent cancer cells from multiplying. It is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy for glioblastoma treatment.
Recovery after brain tumour surgery varies from person to person. Patients may spend a few days in the hospital, including a short stay in the ICU for monitoring. Tiredness is common, and rehabilitation therapies may be recommended to help restore movement, speech, and daily functioning. Regular follow-up scans and medications help in better recovery, while counselling and support groups can help patients and families cope with the emotional aspects of treatment.
The CK Birla Hospital has built a trusted reputation for its comprehensive care system. We combine advanced technology, clinical expertise, and personalised care to help patients through every stage of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Patients choose this hospital for:
Brain tumours require accurate evaluation and timely treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms that could be linked to a brain tumour, do not ignore them. Book a consultation with our specialists today.
Small, slow-growing tumors may be monitored through regular scans, while some tumours can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. The most suitable treatment depends on the tumor’s type, size, location, and the patient’s overall health.
The initial hospital stay is generally 1 to 2 weeks for most surgeries. Beyond that, recovery continues at home over several weeks to months. Mild tiredness and some cognitive changes are common after surgery and usually improve with time. Physical rehabilitation may be recommended for patients who experience weakness or coordination difficulties. Full recovery timelines vary widely and are best discussed with your neurosurgeon.
Many people do live full lives after brain tumor treatment, particularly those diagnosed with benign tumors that are completely removed. Results for malignant tumors are more variable. Advances in treatment including more targeted surgery, newer radiation techniques, and evolving chemotherapy options have improved outcomes over the past decade. Long-term survival depends on many factors like the tumor grade and type, how much was removed, and how well the tumor responds to additional treatment.
