Brain Tumor Treatment: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options

Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form due to rapid and unregulated cell division. They can be classified as malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). When these tumors originate in or spread to the brain, they are known as brain tumors. Brain cancer specifically refers to malignant brain tumors. Globally, brain tumors affect about 3.7 per 100,000 males and 2.6 per 100,000 females annually. The main methods for treating brain tumors include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, with a five-year survival rate of 36%. Recovery depends on factors such as the individual’s health, age, presence of other medical conditions, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. This article explores both surgical and non-surgical approaches to brain tumor treatment.

Explanation of Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells in or around the brain. Approximately 78% of adult malignant brain tumors are gliomas, which originate in the brain or spinal cord. Brain tumors can be categorized into two types:

• Primary Brain Tumor: Tumor originating in the brain.
• Secondary Brain Tumor: Metastatic tumor caused by the spread of cancerous cells to the brain from other organs.

Types of Brain Tumor Treatment Options

Although only one-third of brain tumors are cancerous, all brain tumors can impact brain function. The two main approaches to brain tumor treatment are:

• Surgical: Involves invasive procedures to remove tumor cells.
• Non-Surgical: Includes non-invasive procedures that do not require traditional surgery.

Overview of the Importance of Identifying Treatment Options

Brain tumor treatment varies based on several factors:

• Age
• Type
• Location
• Size
• Overall health
• Possible side effects

Treatment plans differ for children and adults. Selecting the right treatment approach is crucial for achieving the best outcomes.

Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumors

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for brain tumors, involving the removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue. Advances in surgical techniques, such as cortical mapping, enhanced imaging, fluorescent dyes, and neuronavigation tools, have improved recovery rates by enabling maximum tumor resection.

Craniotomy

• Procedure: Involves removing a section of the skull to access and remove the tumor. MRI or CT scans help locate the tumor before surgery. After removing the tumor, the bone flap is replaced and secured.
• Considerations: Risks include infection, bleeding, and potential neurological deficits. Recovery times vary, and some patients may require rehabilitation.

Endoscopic Surgery

• Procedure: This minimally invasive surgery uses a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) inserted through small incisions in the skull. For tumors accessible through the nose or sinuses, it’s called endoscopic endonasal surgery.
• Considerations: Offers shorter recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

• Procedure: Uses precise radiation to destroy the DNA of tumor cells, preventing them from reproducing and causing the tumor to shrink.
• Considerations: Minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Neuroendoscopy

• Procedure: Similar to endoscopic surgery, neuroendoscopy uses tiny incisions and high-definition cameras to treat tumors that are not easily accessible.
• Considerations: Provides clear imaging and is minimally invasive.

Biopsy

• Procedure: Involves removing a small amount of tumor tissue for examination. This helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Considerations: Post-biopsy steroidal doses may be necessary to reduce brain swelling.

Side Effects of Surgical Treatment

• Infection: Signs include pus, swelling, redness, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Bleeding: Common post-surgery, with potential for hemorrhage or epidural hematoma.
• Swelling: Persistent brain swelling may increase intracranial pressure, often managed with steroids.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumors

Innovative therapies now allow for the treatment of many brain tumors without surgical intervention. While surgery may be necessary for malignant tumors, non-surgical treatments can help prevent recurrence and manage benign tumors.

Radiation Therapy

• Procedure: Uses radiation to shrink tumors or slow their growth. Applications include reducing tumor size, part of palliative care, and reducing recurrence risk post-surgery.
• Considerations: Side effects include fatigue, skin changes, and cognitive issues.

Chemotherapy

• Procedure: Involves the use of cytotoxic drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can treat various brain tumors and prevent recurrence.
• Considerations: Side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.

Electro-Field Therapy

• Procedure: Applies mild electrical fields through the scalp to disrupt cancer cell division.
• Considerations: Effective in inhibiting tumor growth and spread.

Symptomatic Treatment

• Procedure: Involves managing symptoms with medications like anti-epileptics, hormones, painkillers, and steroids.
• Considerations: Helps control symptoms and manage tumor growth.

Targeted Therapy

• Procedure: Uses drugs that target specific genes or proteins in tumor cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
• Considerations: Effective for certain tumor types and helps prevent further growth.

Side Effects of Non-Surgical Treatment

• Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness due to damage to healthy cells during radiation or chemotherapy.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Caused by chemotherapy and radiation, manageable with dietary changes and other treatments.
• Cognitive Changes: Memory and concentration issues due to treatment, potentially lasting weeks to months.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis can make brain tumors curable, but they may recur. Surgery is the standard treatment to remove the tumor, with non-surgical methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy used to manage benign tumors or prevent cancer cell growth post-surgery. The most effective treatment option depends on individual factors like age and overall health. Choosing the right approach ensures the best possible outcomes for patients. For more information and to consult with specialists, visit Medsolin