Brain Tumor Treatment

Brain Tumor Treatment

Brain tumor treatment depends on the factors such as the type, location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient’s age and general health. The following treatment methods are used for brain tumors;

Brain Tumor Surgery

Brain tumors are cells that grow uncontrollably inside the skull. In the skull, which does not have the opportunity to expand and grow, the tumor begins to press on the brain. The tumor can be benign or malignant. But whatever the type, it should be monitored and controlled. In brain tumor surgery; It is aimed to completely remove the tumor without damaging the intact brain tissue.

Preparation for Brain Tumor Surgery

Planning for a brain tumor surgery should be done very well. A detailed examination should be made with imaging methods and the operation should be planned according to the examinations performed. In this process, it is important that the relatives of the patient also support the patient.

The duration of the operation, the surgical technique, the location of the tumor and the extent of the impairment in the quality of life after the operation should all be considered in detail. After the necessary examinations are made, the patient is hospitalized on one or two days prior to surgery.

Types of Brain Tumor Surgery

Craniotomy: It is the basic technique for removing the piece of skull in order to create a window through which the neurosurgeon can work during surgery. During the operation, the skull bone is cut and then the tumor is removed. Then the skull is placed back in place and the scalp is sutured.

Microsurgery: Microsurgery, which is a standard procedure in neurosurgery, allows a closer look at the brain tissue. Thus, tumor tissues and healthy tissues are easily distinguished and the tumor could be successfully removed.

Endoscopic: A small hole is made in the skull and the tumor is visualized through the endoscope. The tumor is removed with small forceps and scissors.

Awake Neurosurgery: As the name suggests, the patient is awake during the operation. In this way, important functions such as speech, arm and leg movements are followed during the surgery.

Awake Surgery for Brain Tumors

Awake brain tumor surgery, which allows functions such as speech, arm and leg movements to be followed during the operation, aims to minimize the risks such as speech disorder and paralysis that may occur after the operation.

Awake brain tumor surgery is also a method used to remove the tumor located in the speech center of the brain. Because speech center monitoring under anesthesia is not possible with today’s technology. Awake brain tumor surgery has become a necessity for the speech center. Thus, the risk of post-operative speech impairment is minimized.

Care and Recovery After Brain Tumor Surgery

Complications that can be seen after surgery vary depending on the diameter of the tumor, location, age of the patient and the type of tumor. After brain tumor surgery, there is a possibility of some loss of function. Postoperative physical therapy and rehabilitation are recommended for these patients.

How long is the hospital stay after brain tumor surgery?

After the operation, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit. The first night is partially sleepless, as the patient’s consciousness will be checked frequently. After the final controls, the patient is usually taken to the room on the floor at the end of the second day. The patient stays in the ward room for an average of 3-5 days before discharge.

Going Home After Brain Tumor Surgery

Stitches are removed 10-15 days after the discharge. Patients may use some pills to prevent epilepsy and to reduce brain swellingin this post-operative period.  Depending on the factors such as the size and type of the tumor and the age of the patient, the patient may start a different more sedantery life after the surgery. In this case, the patient may need physical therapy and psychiatrist support as well.

Radiotherapy

It is the process of damaging cancer cells with high energy rays. With advanced radiotherapy devices, even tumors in hard-to-reach areas can be eliminated or growth is prevented. This method gives successful results in tumors located in important parts of the brain or in small tumors. However, radiotherapy may only delay tumor growth and prolong life in canceros brain tumors.

Chemotherapy

It is applied before or after radiotherapy in the treatment of brain tumors. Chemotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells with drugs with a limited efficacy in brain tumors.