A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain, and its impact can vary depending on its location, size, and type. While some tumors grow slowly and cause minimal symptoms, others may progress rapidly, leading to severe neurological issues. One of the most critical decisions in brain tumor treatment is determining whether surgery is necessary. Here, we explore the key signs, symptoms, and situations where brain tumor surgery becomes essential, with insights from Dr. Kaushik Sil.
Common Symptoms of a Brain Tumor
Brain tumor symptoms depend on the tumor’s location, size, and rate of growth. However, some common warning signs include:
Persistent Headaches: Frequent and severe headaches that worsen in the morning or with movement.
Seizures: Sudden and unprovoked seizures can be an early indicator of a brain tumor.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea that is unrelated to food intake can signal increased brain pressure.
Vision or Hearing Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or hearing loss may indicate a tumor pressing on the optic or auditory nerves.
Memory Loss and Confusion: Difficulty remembering things, poor concentration, or personality changes can occur with tumors affecting cognitive areas.
Weakness or Numbness: Loss of sensation or strength in the arms or legs, particularly on one side of the body.
Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech: Slurred speech or trouble forming sentences can be a sign of a tumor in the brain’s language centers.
When is Brain Tumor Surgery Necessary?
Brain tumor surgery is typically recommended in the following situations:
Tumor is Growing Rapidly
Aggressive or high-grade tumors, such as glioblastomas, can grow quickly and cause severe neurological issues. In such cases, surgery is often required to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
2. Tumor is Causing Severe Symptoms
If a brain tumor is pressing on critical brain structures and leading to debilitating symptoms like paralysis, seizures, or cognitive impairment, surgery is necessary to relieve pressure and prevent further damage.
3. Tumor is Accessible and Operable
Some tumors are located in areas where surgical removal is feasible without excessive risk to surrounding brain tissue. If a neurosurgeon, such as Dr. Kaushik Sil, determines that the tumor can be safely excised, surgery may be the best course of action.
4. Surgery Can Improve Prognosis
In some cases, removing a brain tumor can significantly improve a patient’s survival rate or quality of life. Even if complete removal is not possible, debulking surgery (removing part of the tumor) can help slow its progression.
5. Biopsy is Needed for Diagnosis
If imaging tests alone cannot determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant, a surgical biopsy may be necessary. A small sample of the tumor is removed and analyzed to guide further treatment.
What Happens During Brain Tumor Surgery?
Brain tumor surgery is performed by a neurosurgeon and may involve different techniques, including:
Craniotomy: The most common procedure, where a section of the skull is removed to access and remove the tumor.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: In some cases, an endoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument) is used to remove the tumor with minimal disruption.
Awake Brain Surgery: If the tumor is near speech or movement centers, the patient may be kept awake during part of the surgery to help guide the surgeon.
What to Expect After Surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type and location of the tumor, but common post-surgery effects include:
Temporary swelling and discomfort
Rehabilitation for motor or speech recovery
Additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy if the tumor is cancerous
Conclusion
Brain tumor surgery is not always necessary, but when a tumor is aggressive, symptomatic, or operable, surgery can be a life-saving option. Recognizing the early signs of a brain tumor and seeking prompt medical evaluation from experts like Dr. Kaushik Sil can improve outcomes. If you or a loved one experience persistent neurological symptoms, consult a specialist for further evaluation and treatment options.