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Get A QuoteCancerous cells generated in the brain are tumour cells that grow uncontrollably and rapidly. The tumour that grows in the brain is called a primary brain tumour. However, when cancerous cells originate from another part of the body and form in the brain, it is referred to as secondary brain tumours. Secondary brain tumours are much more frequent than primary brain tumours. Brain tumours can come in many forms. The most frequent types of tumours are Gliomas (which form in the supporting cells of the brain) and non-gliomas (which exist in the non-supporting cells of the brain). Brain tumours can present with symptoms.
However, although these symptoms depend on the size, location, and rate of growth of the tumour, brain tumours also alter the behaviour and personality of the patient suffering from the tumour. This is not always due to the tumour, though; there could be other reasons for the symptoms that the individual patient is exhibiting. The treatment plan varies from one patient to another.
The multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, comprising neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, determines and recommends the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's status and optimal health.
Brain Tumour Treatment costs for Indian Patients in India, on average, range from USD 2400 to USD 3200. For International Patients, the average costs are USD 3600 to USD 4400.
What Is A Brain Tumor?
A brain tumour is an irregular mass of cells in or near your brain. Brain tumours and spinal tumours, together, are considered central nervous system (CNS) tumours.
Brain tumours can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Some tumours proliferate, while others grow slowly.
About one-third of brain tumours are malignant. Either way, brain tumours can affect brain function and your health if large enough to push on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissue.
Tumours in your brain are called primary tumours. Tumours in other parts of your body that spread to your brain are called secondary tumours, or metastatic brain tumours. This article will focus solely on primary brain tumours.
Researchers have identified more than 150 distinct types of brain tumours.
Healthcare professionals classify primary tumors as either glial (meaning they are made up of glial cells in your brain) or non-glial (meaning they were formed on or in the structure of your brain, including nerves, blood vessels, and glands) and as benign (meaning the tumor is noncancerous) or malignant (meaning the tumor is cancerous).
Many forms of brain tumours can also develop in your spinal cord or column.
Usually benign brain tumours
Brain tumours that are usually benign include:
Chordomas: These tumours grow slowly and usually begin at the base of your skull or the lowest part of your spine. Most of these tumours are benign.
Craniopharyngiomas: Most often, these tumours arise from a piece of your pituitary gland (becoming embedded somewhat deep in the skull near other critical structures). They are challenging tumours to remove.
Gangliocytomas, gangliomas, and anaplastic gangliogliomas: Rare tumours in the neurons (nerve cells).
Glomus jugulare: These tumours are, specifically, usually located just under the base of your skull at the first part of your jugular vein (neck vein). This form of tumour is specifically the most common glomus tumour.
Meningiomas: Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumours and typically grow slowly. Meningiomas grow in the meninges, the layers of tissue that encapsulate and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are benign tumours that, in rare cases, can be malignant.
Pineocytomas: These slow-growing tumours develop in your pineal gland, located deep in your brain, which releases the hormone melatonin.
Pituitary adenomas: These tumours develop in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of your brain. The pituitary gland produces and controls hormones in your body. Pituitary adenomas are usually slow-growing, but they may release excess pituitary hormones.
Schwannomas: These are the most common benign brain tumours in adults. They develop in the Schwann cells of your peripheral nervous system or cranial nerves. Schwann cells help with the conduction of nerve impulses. Acoustic neuromas are the most common type of schwannoma. These tumours develop on your vestibular nerve (the nerve that leads from your inner ear to your brain).
Cancerous (malignant) brain tumours
About 78% of cancerous primary brain tumours are gliomas. Gliomas arise from glial cells, which are made up of neurons (nerve cells) and other cells that actively support and surround them. Types of gliomas include:
Astrocytoma - Astrocytoma is the most common type of glioma. It originates from a star cell (astrocyte) and can arise from any area of the brain, but most commonly from the cerebrum.
Ependymomas - Ependymomas often arise near the ventricles of the brain. Ependymomas arise from ependymal cells (also named radial glial cells).
Glioblastoma (GBM) - Glioblastomas are astrocytomas that arise from astrocytes or glial cells. GBMs (glioblastomas) are the most aggressive and rapidly growing astrocytomas.
Oligodendroglioma - generally an uncommon tumour, this tumour arises from cells that create myelin (the layers surrounding nerves in the brain that insulate the nerves).
Medulloblastoma is a type of cancerous brain tumour. It is a growing tumour that arises from the base of your skull and is the most common cancerous brain tumour in children.
There are numerous treatment options for brain tumours. The type of treatment used by the doctors depends on the tumour's condition. A combination of treatments is also used in some situations to treat a patient. The following are some of the treatments:
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill the tumour. The rays go directly to the tumour and do not harm the surrounding normal tissues. Radiation therapy may be:
External beam radiation therapy: In this instance, the beam of rays comes from a machine outside the body, directing the rays to the tumour through the skin.
Internal beam radiation therapy: In this instance, a radioactive material is used to implant inside the tumour. The radioactive material will emit rays to kill the tumour cells.
Targeted Drug Therapy
This type of treatment uses medications to target specific genes and proteins that are critical for tumour growth. This is what limits the growth of tumour cells created in the brain. Targeted drug therapy is a new, advanced technology in cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are used to limit the growth of tumour cells by preventing them from dividing and forming new cells within the tumour. It is common for chemotherapy to be used as a combination treatment after surgery, to kill any remaining tumour cells if they are present. Chemotherapy is relatively familiar with the aggressive type of cancers, either on their own or in combination.
Surgery
Surgical intervention and resection are the primary therapy for brain tumours in the early stage. The surgery will typically involve the resection of the tumour in the brain with some of the healthy tissue so that there is no disease left to recur. In some cases, the area involved is associated with vital structures or is otherwise difficult to access, making surgery an unfeasible option.
Alternating Electric Field Therapy
The treatment modality is a portable device that is fitted to the brain to restrict the growth of tumour cells by interfering with them. The device utilises electrodes that utilise an electric field to provide its function. It is a successful treatment and has proven long-term effects similar to chemotherapy.
Treatment |
Min |
Max |
Chemotherapy |
1000 USD |
1200 USD |
Brain Tumour Surgery |
2400 USD |
3200 USD |
Radiotherapy |
2520 USD |
3360 USD |
Radiosurgery for Brain Tumour |
3720 USD |
4960 USD |
Factors Affecting the Cost Of Brain Tumour Treatment
The total expense of the treatment also depends on the patient's stage and type of cancer. Some cost-contingent factors to consider are:
Some individuals with a brain tumour will not have any of the symptoms above, especially if their tumour is tiny.
Symptoms associated with a brain tumour can be diverse, depending on the location, size and type of brain tumour. Symptoms may include:
Symptoms that depend upon the position of the tumour:
Brain stem: Loss of coordination when walking, double vision, difficulty swallowing and/or speaking and facial weakness (one-sided smile, droopy eyelid).
Cerebellum: Blurred and/or involuntary eye movement, vomiting, stiff neck, uncoordinated speech and walking.
Temporal lobe: Problems with speech, memory, sometimes strange sensations - fear, blackouts, odd smells.
Occipital lobe: Gradual loss of vision in one eye.
Parietal lobe: Problems with reading, writing, basic maths, difficulty with navigation, numbness or weakness down one side of the body, difficulty understanding words and/or speaking.
Frontal lobe: Unsteadiness, weakness down one side of the body, personality changes, loss of smell.
Diagnosis
If your doctor thinks you have brain tumours, you may be referred for several tests and procedures, which may include:
Neurological exam - A neurological exam requires, among other things, checking your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. Problems in one or more of these domains may provide clues about the area of brain function that could be affected by a brain tumour.
Imaging tests - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can show brain tumours, is most often used to help diagnose brain tumours. In some studies, a dye will be injected into a vein in your arm when the MRI examination is being done. Other imaging tests that may be recommended include computerised tomography (CT) or Positron emission tomography (PET)
Tests to find cancer somewhere else in your body. If your brain tumour is suspected to be related to an original site of cancer from somewhere else in your body, your doctor may wish to do tests and procedures to find out what the primary site of cancer is. For example, a CT or PET scan to look for signs of lung cancer.
Biopsy - Sometimes a stereotactic needle biopsy is done for brain tumours in difficult-to-access locations or very delicate areas of your brain that may be affected by an open surgery. A neurosurgeon will drill a small hole in your skull, then insert the needle through that hole. Tissue is removed using a needle, which is usually directed under the guidance of a CT or MRI scan. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to determine if there is cancerous or benign tissue. Advanced lab tests can provide your doctor with an idea of your prognosis and treatment options.
Family history
Only about 5% to 10% of all cancers are inherited or hereditary. Brain tumours are rarely inherited. If multiple family members have been diagnosed with a brain tumour, please discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counsellor.
Age
Age increases the risk of brain tumours, and most are more common as you grow older.
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to certain chemicals, especially in an occupational setting, may increase your risk of developing brain cancer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health maintains a list of potentially cancer-causing chemicals found in occupational environments.
Radiation exposure
Individuals exposed to ionising radiation are at increased risk of brain tumours. One way you can be exposed to ionising radiation is through high-radiation cancer treatments. You may also be exposed to radiation via nuclear fallout.
The nuclear reactor accidents in Fukushima and Chernobyl are examples of how individuals can be exposed to ionising radiation.
Sex
Men are more likely to develop brain tumours than women. However, several specific types of brain tumours are more commonly seen in women.
Head trauma
There was a correlation between several specific types of brain tumours and a history of trauma. Recent studies have indicated the potential for non-supporting cells in the brain tumour to develop after head trauma.
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The cost of treating brain tumours for Indian patients ranges from $2400 to $3200. For patients from abroad, the cost ranges from USD 3600 to USD 4400.
Brain tumour treatment depends on the type, location, size, and general health of the patient. Still, it typically includes one or more surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and possibly immunotherapy or targeted therapies. Several different surgical approaches can be employed nowadays, including some minimally invasive surgical techniques. Neuroendoscopy is a good example of a minimally invasive technique that is rapidly gaining popularity.
The life expectancy of a person with a brain tumour can vary substantially depending on several factors, including the type of tumour, its grade, the tumour's location, the individual's overall health, and their age. Some benign kinds of tumours may allow the person to live a normal lifespan with very minimal treatment, while malignant types of tumours will have considerably shorter life expectancies.
Surgery for brain tumours is a necessary operation for many patients, but it also has inherent risks and potential problems. A patient's general health and the location, size, and type of the tumour are some of the variables that affect the severity of these hazards.