A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. It may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and its effects can vary depending on its type, size and location. Brain tumour treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted medicines or active monitoring, depending on the diagnosis.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, our specialists assess the tumour and your overall health before recommending a treatment plan suited to your condition.
A brain tumour develops when cells in the brain or nearby tissues grow abnormally and form a mass. Some tumours grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for a long time, while others can grow quickly and affect important areas of the brain.
Brain tumours can be primary, meaning they start in the brain, or secondary (metastatic), meaning cancer has spread to the brain from another part of the body.
Not every brain tumour is cancerous. However, even a benign tumour can cause problems if it presses on important parts of the brain.
Brain tumours are classified based on where they begin, the type of cells involved and how quickly they are likely to grow.
Some common types include:
Gliomas develop from glial cells that support nerve cells in the brain. They include different tumour types and grades, ranging from slower-growing tumours to more aggressive forms such as glioblastoma.
Meningiomas develop from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Many are slow-growing and benign, although some may behave more aggressively.
These develop in or around the pituitary gland, which controls several important hormones. They may affect hormone levels, vision or other body functions.
Schwannomas develop from cells surrounding nerves. An acoustic neuroma, also called vestibular schwannoma, is one example and can affect hearing and balance.
These tumours occur when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain. Their treatment may depend on the original cancer, number and location of brain tumours and the person's overall health.
The type and grade of a brain tumour help doctors determine the most appropriate treatment.
Brain tumour symptoms depend largely on the tumour's size, location and rate of growth. Common symptoms include persistent or worsening headaches, seizures, changes in vision, nausea or vomiting, weakness, balance problems and changes in speech, memory or behaviour.
Possible brain tumour symptoms include:
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have a brain tumour. Many other conditions can cause similar problems. However, new or persistent neurological symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.
Diagnosis usually begins with a medical history and neurological examination. Our doctor may check your vision, hearing, coordination, reflexes, strength, balance and other neurological functions.
An MRI of the brain provides detailed images of brain tissue and can help doctors identify the location and size of a tumour. Contrast material may sometimes be used to provide additional information.
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the brain. It may be used when a quick assessment is needed or when MRI is not suitable.
In some cases, a biopsy is needed to determine the exact type and grade of the tumour. During a biopsy, a small sample of tumour tissue is examined in a laboratory.
The diagnosis helps our doctors understand the tumour's type, grade, location and characteristics before deciding on treatment
Brain tumour treatment depends on the type, size, location and grade of the tumour, as well as your symptoms and overall health. Treatment may involve monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy, medicines or a combination of these approaches.
Not every brain tumour requires immediate treatment.
If a tumour is small, slow-growing and not causing significant symptoms, your doctor may recommend regular scans and follow-up appointments instead of immediate surgery or other treatment.
This approach allows doctors to monitor whether the tumour changes over time.
Surgery may be recommended when the tumour can be safely accessed and removing some or all of it is likely to benefit the patient.
The aim may be to:
The extent of surgery depends on the tumour's location and its relationship with important areas of the brain.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage tumour cells and stop or slow their growth.
It may be recommended after surgery, instead of surgery in selected situations, or for tumours that cannot be completely removed. It may also be used to treat brain metastases.
The type and duration of radiation treatment depend on the tumour and the treatment plan.
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be used for certain types of malignant brain tumours, often alongside surgery or radiation therapy.
The choice of medicine depends on the specific tumour type and its characteristics.
Some brain tumours have specific molecular or genetic features that may allow doctors to consider targeted medicines or other specialised treatments.
Medicines may also be used to manage symptoms and complications. For example, doctors may prescribe medicines to control seizures or reduce swelling around a tumour when appropriate.
Brain tumour surgery may be considered when removing the tumour can safely provide a meaningful benefit.
Surgery may be recommended to:
Surgery is not automatically required for every brain tumour. Some tumours can be monitored, while others may be better managed with radiation, medicines or a combination of treatments.
The decision depends on the tumour's location, size, type, grade and relationship with important brain structures.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, we take an individualised approach to brain tumour care. Our doctors first assess your symptoms, medical history and diagnostic findings before recommending the next step.
Your treatment journey may include:
When needed, specialists from different areas may work together to plan and coordinate your care.
There is no single best treatment for every brain tumour. Treatment depends on the tumour type, size, location, grade, symptoms and your overall health. Options may include monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medicines.
Some brain tumours can be successfully treated, while others may require long-term monitoring or treatment to control their growth. The outlook depends on the type, grade, location and response to treatment.
Early symptoms can include persistent or worsening headaches, seizures, vision changes, weakness, balance problems, nausea or changes in memory, speech or behaviour. These symptoms can also occur with many other conditions, so they do not by themselves confirm a brain tumour.
No. Some brain tumours can be monitored or treated with radiation therapy, medicines or other approaches. Surgery may be recommended when removing or sampling the tumour is considered appropriate and safe.
Doctors may use a neurological examination, MRI or CT scans and, in some cases, a biopsy. A biopsy can help determine the exact type and grade of the tumour when tissue diagnosis is needed.
Yes, selected brain tumours may be treated without surgery using active monitoring, radiation therapy, medicines or a combination of treatments. The appropriate approach depends on the individual diagnosis.
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