Treatments that can help you win the fight against brain tumours

There are 120 different types of brain tumours that can affect a human brain, each having varied characteristics and nature. Some are malignant, some benign. Some develop from the brain cells while others are a result of metastasis of malignant cells from some other part of the body. Fortunately, there have been tremendous advancements in the diagnostic and treatment modalities available for brain tumors, that allow doctors to precisely access the tumors and manage them efficiently. In this blog, we have listed two of the common treatments available for managing the problem, with the help of experts from the leading brain tumor hospital in India.

Surgery

When we speak of Brain Tumors, surgery is one of the most preferred treatment options and in some cases, it is the only treatment required. The aim of the surgery is to remove the tumor and the surrounding tissues that have been affected without causing any damage to the important structures of the brain. There is a wide range of surgical interventions available for brain tumours, which include both conventional and minimally invasive techniques. Unlike other conditions where surgery is generally the last resort, in this case, doctors consider it initially, when the tumour is localized. Some of the most common brain tumour surgeries include:

• Craniotomy 

The surgical intervention is quite common and involves the creation of a tiny opening in the skull by removing a bone flap, which is later reattached. This allows the doctors to access the tumour and remove it with ease.

• Awake craniotomy 

Unlike standard craniotomy that is performed under the influence of anaesthesia, awake craniotomy is performed while the patient is sedated, but awake. This is preferred in cases where the tumour is located near or around sensitive brain structures. During the procedure, doctors assess the patient’s brain function to make sure that it is kept intact. 

• Neuroendoscopy 

A minimally invasive approach that has revolutionized brain tumour surgery, neuroendoscopy uses detailed imaging guidance offered by an endoscope, to guide the surgical tools and remove the tumour without any need for large incisions. 

• MRI-guided laser ablation

The procedure offers a least invasive approach for locating and destroying malignant tumours using controlled laser beams. Brain Tumor surgery in Delhi is offered at all the leading hospitals like IBS Hospital. The hospital brings together world-class technology and the expertise of a highly specialised team of neurosurgeons, to simplify the management of the most complex cases of brain tumor.

Radiation therapy 

The therapeutic intervention may be recommended along with surgery or as the primary treatment in cases where the patient does not qualify for surgery. This involves the use of intense radiation for targeting the tumours and destroying the abnormal cells that it is made up of. Brain tumour surgeons in Delhi often recommend it period to the surgery as it can help to shrink the size of the tumour making it easier to perform surgical extraction. There are 3 different types of radiation therapies available as of now. These are:

• External beam radiation therapy 

EBRT involves the use of an external machine for delivering the radiation. This is further classified into types - Intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy. 

• Internal radiation therapy 

Also known as brachytherapy, it involves the placement of a radioactive source within the patient’s body. It is also classified into two types - Interstitial brachytherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy. 

• Proton therapy 

In this case, doctors use protons in the place of x-rays, to target the abnormal cells. This helps to minimize radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy cells and tissues.

• Radioimmunotherapy 

It is a combination of radiation therapy and targetted immunotherapy that helps to precisely target the cancer cells using monoclonal antibodies. 

To know more about these treatments and to find out if they are an option for you, consult the top brain tumour surgeons in Delhi at IBS Hospital.
 

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | July 25, 2023 | 9 Min Read