Brain Tumour Surgery: When Is Surgery Needed and What Are the Treatment Options?

What Is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal mass or growth of cells inside the skull. Brain tumours can be primary (originating directly within brain tissue, meninges, cranial nerves, or pituitary gland) or secondary/metastatic (cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body such as the lungs, breast, or colon).

Furthermore, brain tumours are classified as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). However, because the skull is a rigid bony structure with fixed volume, even benign tumours can cause significant neurological deficits and increased intracranial pressure if left untreated.

Common Symptoms That Warrant Immediate Evaluation

Symptoms depend heavily on the tumour's size, growth rate, and location in the brain:

• Persistent, worsening headaches (often most severe in the early morning, accompanied by vomiting).
• New-onset seizures or convulsions in adults with no prior seizure history.
• Progressive weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
• Vision problems, such as loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, or double vision.
• Cognitive changes, memory loss, confusion, or personality alterations.
• Difficulty with balance, walking, or speech.

When Is Brain Tumour Surgery Needed?

Brain tumour surgery is typically the cornerstone and first-line treatment for most accessible brain tumours. Surgery serves several vital purposes:

• Maximal Safe Resection: Removing as much of the tumour mass as safely possible to relieve pressure on vital brain structures.
• Accurate Histopathological & Molecular Diagnosis: Obtaining tissue biopsy samples to identify the exact tumour grade, genetic mutations, and molecular markers guiding targeted chemotherapy and radiation.
• Symptom Relief: Decreasing mass effect, reducing cerebral edema, and controlling intractable seizures or neurological deficits.

Advanced Brain Tumour Treatment & Surgical Options

With modern technological breakthroughs, brain tumour surgery in Gurgaon has become remarkably precise, minimizing surgical risk while maximizing tumour removal:

1. Awake Craniotomy

Used for tumours located near eloquent brain regions responsible for speech, language, or motor control. The patient is awake and interacts with the surgical team during critical phases to ensure zero functional loss.

2. Neuronavigation and Intraoperative MRI/CT

GPS-like 3D computerized guidance systems that allow the brain tumour surgeon in Gurgaon to map brain structures with millimeter precision and navigate safely around critical blood vessels and nerve tracts.

3. Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (5-ALA)

Special oral dyes make high-grade tumour cells glow fluorescent pink under blue light during surgery, enabling surgeons to distinguish tumour boundaries from healthy brain tissue.

4. Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Minimally invasive keyhole procedures performed through the nostrils for pituitary tumours, craniopharyngiomas, and skull base lesions without external skin incisions.

5. Multidisciplinary Adjuvant Therapy

Following surgery, comprehensive brain tumour treatment may involve stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife / CyberKnife), targeted radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and personalized immunotherapies.

Expert Brain Care Under Dr. Praveen Gupta

At Marengo Asia Hospitals, Dr. Praveen Gupta leads a renowned multidisciplinary neuro-oncology board comprising top neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-radiologists, and medical oncologists to craft tailored treatment roadmaps for every patient.

If you or your loved one is seeking an expert second opinion or advanced care for brain tumours, consult Dr. Praveen Gupta's team in Gurgaon today.