BRAIN TUMOUR SURGERY

What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain, which can cause serious health problems, particularly if they continue to grow and put pressure on the brain. In order to diagnose a brain tumour, your doctor may perform one of the following tests:

• CT scan
  This allows your doctor to see inside the brain and receive a more detailed image than an x-ray. A computerised tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) creates cross-sectional images of the body using computers and rotating x-ray devices. These images contain more information than standard X-ray images. Soft tissues, blood arteries, and bones in various regions of the body can all be seen. A CT scan can be used to see the following: head, shoulders, heart, belly, knees, and chest. A CT scan involves lying down in a tunnel-like machine while the inside spins and takes a succession of x-rays from various angles. These photos are then transferred to a computer, merged to produce images of body slices or cross-sections. They can also be merged to create a 3-D representation of a specific body part.


• MRI
  A brain MRI does not use radiation and provides a detailed image of the brain. With the use of a special dye, your doctor will be able to detect a tumour. We are one of only two practices in the country that can provide this innovative service.


• Biopsy
  During a biopsy, a small piece of the tumour is examined by a specialist in order to assess whether it is benign or malignant. While imaging tests like x-rays can assist discover masses or areas of abnormality, they can't tell the difference between malignant and noncancerous cells on their own. For most malignancies, a biopsy to sample cells for detailed inspection is the only approach to make a precise diagnosis.

How can brain tumours be treated?
Brain tumours can generally be removed surgically. Brain tumour surgery may need to be followed by radiation and chemotherapy in order to remove any infected tissue that remains.

Craniotomy
The most common therapy for brain tumours is surgery. A neurosurgeon cuts a hole in the skull to remove a brain tumour. A craniotomy is a name for this procedure. The surgeon tries to remove the entire tumour whenever possible. Your doctor may remove as much of the tumour as feasible if it cannot be entirely removed without causing damage to vital brain tissue. Partial removal relieves symptoms by relieving pressure on the brain and minimising the amount of tumour that needs to be treated with radiation or chemotherapy.

FAQ:

How long does the procedure take? How long does recovery take? What anaesthesia is used?