1. What is the incidence of brain tumor ?
The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in India ranges from 5 - 10% in every 1,00,000 population.
2. What are the risk factors for brain tumors ?
The difference in lifestyle, dietary habits, and environmental exposure are among the many risk factors. The etiology of cancer is complex and has multifactorial risk factors. Doctors are still in process of thoroughly evaluating & understanding brain tumor risk factors in people with different ethnicities.
3. What are the complaints of brain tumors patients ?
Presenting complaints of brain tumors usually are Persistent headache, Vomiting, Limb weakness, Seizure, Speech & memory disturbance, Blurring of vision and Decreased hearing.
4. How are brain tumors diagnosed ?
Diagnosis of brain tumors is commonly done with CT scan and MRI of brain.
5. Are all brain tumors life threatening in the short duration after diagnosis ?
Common belief that all brain tumors are life threatening in short duration is a wrong perception. In our perspective brain tumors when identified and treated early can significantly improve the chances of patients getting cured completely.
6. What is the difference in treatment of Benign and Malignant brain tumors and its outcome ?
Treatment of brain tumors primarily is maximum safe resection. Malignant brain tumor needs radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgical excision of tumor.
7. What if a brain tumor is located in an important part of the brain ?
For tumors which are located in an important part of the brain, surgeries are carried out with the help of Neuro-navigation (fig E), Stereotaxy (fig D), Robotic guidance, Awake craniotomy (patient will remain awake and conscious during surgery) and Cortical stimulation.
8. What if surgical removal of a tumor is not possible ?
If complete removal is not possible, then stereotactic guided biopsy is used to help in establishment of diagnosis.
9. What is the survival duration of patients with brain tumors ?
Outcome of survival depends on WHO Histopathology grade of tumors. Grade 1 and Grade 2 tumors have longer survival (approximately 7-10 years) compared to Grade 3 and Grade 4 (1-5 years).
10. What are the newer advances in brain tumor treatment?
Latest Advances in Neurosurgery are available at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad. These include Diagnostic imaging - Functional MRI brain & MRI Spectroscopy. Latest Surgical Techniques include - Microscope, Endoscope and Neuro-Robotic System. Radiotherapy Equipment - SRS, Gamma knife. Newer Chemotherapeutic, Immunotherapy and Targeted agents over the past few years have helped improving treatment outcome.