The operation called a craniotomy is used to remove a brain tumor by making an opening in the skull. If possible, surgeons aim to remove the tumor entirely. In case the tumor can’t be completely removed without causing damage to the vital brain tissue, your doctor may remove as much of the tumor as possible.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
The symptoms vary, based on the part of the brain the tumor is located. Common symptoms include:
Headaches (often worse in the morning and when coughing or straining).
Fits (seizures).
Regularly feeling sick (vomiting).
Memory problems or changes in personality.
Weakness, vision problems, or speech problems that get worse.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it’s better to be safe and have a check-up.
What are the types of brain tumors?
Different types of brain tumors have different names depending on where they are in the brain. Also, brain tumors are graded from 1 to 4, the higher the number, the more serious a tumor is:
Grade 1 and 2 brain tumors are non-cancerous (benign) tumors that tend to grow quite slowly.
Grade 3 and 4 brain tumors are cancerous (malignant) tumors that grow more quickly and are more difficult to treat.
Brain tumors are also called primary (which starts in the brain) and secondary (which spreads to the brain).
What types of treatment are for brain tumors?
Treatments of a brain tumor depend on factors such as type, location, size of the tumor, patient’s age, and general health. Also, methods of treatment differ for children and adults. Before treatments begin, most patients are given steroids, drugs that relieve swelling or edema. You may also receive anticonvulsant medicine to prevent or control seizures. The main goal of brain tumor treatments is to remove as much of it as possible and try to stop it from coming back. Main treatments include:
Surgery: A small section of the skull is removed, and the tumor is cut out before the piece of skull is fixed back in place.
Radiotherapy: Radiation from an external machine is used to kill cancer cells after surgery.
Chemotherapy: Medicine is used to kill cancer cells after surgery or relieve symptoms if the tumor can't be removed.
Radiosurgery: Lots of tiny beams of radiation are aimed at cancer to kill it if you can't have surgery.
Carmosino implants (glial wafers): A new way of giving chemotherapy for some high-grade tumors is where implants are inserted into the brain.
What are the rehabilitation steps after treatment?
Because brain tumors can develop in parts of the brain that control motor skills, speech, vision, and thinking, rehabilitation may be a necessary part of recovery. Depending on your needs, your doctor may refer you to:
Physical therapy: To help you regain lost motor skills or muscle strength.
Occupational therapy: To help you get back to your normal daily activities, including work, after a brain tumor or other illness.
Speech therapy: With specialists in speech difficulties (speech pathologists) to help if you have difficulty speaking.
Tutoring: School-age children to help kids cope with changes in their memory and thinking after a brain tumor.
What are some side effects of treatment?
Some people who have had a brain tumor can develop side effects from treatment months or years later, such as:
Rarely, a stroke might happen.
What if treatment does not work?
Recovery from a brain tumor is not always possible. If the tumor cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal.
Conclusion
Brain tumor removal represents a pinnacle of precision and innovation in modern medicine. The conclusion of such a procedure is not merely the end of an operation, but a gateway to new beginnings for patients. Advances in surgical techniques, coupled with the advent of antiangiogenic therapies, have revolutionized the treatment landscape. These developments offer a beacon of hope, significantly improving patient outcomes and providing a tangible sense of optimism for those affected. While the journey through diagnosis and treatment is arduous, the collective efforts of medical professionals, researchers, and supportive care teams ensure that the path to recovery is navigated with the utmost care and expertise.