Brain Tumor Surgery Treatment in India

11 Dec, 2023

Brain tumors constitute 85-90 percent of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. In 2020, an estimated 308,102 people worldwide was diagnosed with a primary brain or spinal cord tumor. A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in or around the brain characterized by a rapid growth of cells. Brain tumors, which have over 150 identified types, can be primary, arising from brain tissues, or metastatic, spreading to the brain from other regions of the body. They might be benign or cancerous, and their severity varies.

Brain and nervous system tumors harm roughly 30 adults per 100,000 every year. Brain tumors can put pressure on healthy brain tissue, interrupting normal function, and becoming life-threatening if left untreated. Some may spread to other parts of the brain or spine through spinal fluid.

Brain tumor surgery in India is multidisciplinary, combining the latest medical technologies and qualified medical staff. The primary methods include surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy, all of which are tailored to the unique type, size, and location of the tumor. Top hospitals in India provide cutting-edge neurosurgery treatments and new radiation techniques, which contribute to better outcomes.

Types of Brain Tumor

Benign Brain Tumors:

Chordomas: Chordomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that are most often found at the base of the head and the lower spine. While they are usually harmless, they can penetrate neighbouring bone structures and put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. These uncommon tumors account for only 0.2 percent of all primary brain tumors.
Craniopharyngiomas: Although mostly benign, craniopharyngiomas offer difficulties during removal due to their closeness to critical brain regions. These pituitary tumors often demand hormone replacement therapy.
Gangliocytomas, Gangliomas, and Anaplastic Gangliogliomas: These are rare tumors that involve neoplastic nerve cells and are well-differentiated, usually affecting young individuals. Their shortage complicates diagnosis and treatment.
Glomus Jugulare Tumours: Glomus jugulare tumors are usually benign and are found directly behind the skull base, around the top of the jugular vein. While glomus tumors are the most common type, they account for only 0.6 percent of head and neck neoplasms.
Meningiomas: Meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumors, accounting for 10 to 15% of all brain neoplasms. These tumors, which arise from the meninges, the membrane-like structures that surround the brain and spinal cord, are normally slow-growing, although a small percentage can be malignant.
Pineocytomas: Pineocytomas are benign tumors that arise from pineal cells and are most common in adults. They are a subset of brain tumors that are well-defined, non-invasive, homogeneous, and slow-growing.
Pituitary Adenomas: Pituitary adenomas are among the most common intracranial tumors and grow slowly. These tumors, which are located near the pituitary gland and usually affect people in their 30s or 40s, can be successfully treated, and even malignant cases are very uncommon.
Schwannomas: Schwannomas are common benign brain tumors that develop along nerves, displacing normal nerve tissue rather than penetrating it. Acoustic neuromas are a common kind that arises from the vestibular nerve. Although they are normally harmless, they can cause problems if they expand and put pressure on nerves and the brain.

Malignant Brain Tumors:

Astrocytomas: These are astrocyte-derived tumors that usually affect the cerebrum and account for half of all primary brain tumors. While they are common in adults, they are more common in youngsters when they develop in the base of the brain. They range from low-grade to high-grade tumors in adults.
Ependymomas: These are derived from ependymal cells that line the ventricular system of the brain and account for 2-3% of all brain tumors. While most are well-defined, others provide difficulties due to their nearness to important structures.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): GBM is the most invasive glial tumor and has a terrible prognosis. It grows quickly, spreads to other tissues, and has a bad prognosis. It primarily affects people aged 50 to 70 and is more common in men. It is made up of several cell types such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Medulloblastomas: These are high-grade tumors that commonly occur in youngsters and are found primarily in the cerebellum. Despite their aggressiveness, they often respond well to radiation and chemotherapy.
Oligodendrogliomas: These are rare tumors that develop from cells that produce myelin, the insulation for brain wiring. Because of their unique biological origin and characteristics, these tumors may pose diagnostic and treatment problems.
Hemangioblastomas: These are slow-growing tumors that arise from blood vessels and may accompany cysts in the cerebellum. These tumors are more common in people aged 40 to 60, are often greater in size, and are more common in men.
Rhabdoid Tumours: Rhabdoid tumors are rare and very malignant tumors that are found throughout the central nervous system. They are more prevalent in young children, but they can also emerge in adults.

Causes of Brain Tumor

Brain tumors, whether primary or secondary, develop as a result of genetic abnormalities that disturb the normal function of cell-regulating genes. These genes control cell division, repair, and programmed cell death. The causes of these genetic changes are complex. Individuals may inherit partial gene abnormalities in some cases, and environmental factors such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may result in further harm. The complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental effects is still unknown. Neurofibromatosis and Von Hippel-Lindau disease are two hereditary diseases linked to an increased risk of brain tumors.

Secondary brain tumors are most usually caused by cancer metastasis from breast, lung, colon, kidney, or skin cancers. The exact reasons why some people develop brain tumors in response to these hereditary or external factors are unknown.

Cost of Brain Tumor Treatment in India

Brain tumor surgery in India is not only affordable, but it also provides high-quality medical care. With a starting price of USD 5000, the affordability of medical treatment is an important aspect of attracting patients from all over the world. The total cost may vary depending on factors such as the treatment approach chosen, hospital facilities, surgeon experience, and geographical location. Despite the costs of food, accommodation, and transportation, the entire spend is significantly lower than in many other nations.