Surgery is often the first treatment for a brain tumor. The goal of this surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing harm to normal tissue. Surgery can also provide an opportunity to biopsy the tumor to learn more about what type it is and whether it’s cancerous.
The cost for brain tumor surgery may vary based on the patient's specific surgical needs, surgeons' fees, and anesthesia and surgery center or hospital fees.
A procedure to remove a brain tumor has the risk of infection and bleeding. Also, based on the part of the brain your tumor is located, it may include other risks.
The average survival period after brain tumor diagnosis is 14 months. Given the dangers revolving around brain surgery such as neurological injury or death, many experts question the value of performing second, third, or even fourth operations.
Everything depends on the brain tumor’s size, location in the brain, and the grade it’s in. If your brain tumor is caught early, it may be cured but most often the tumor comes back, and sometimes it isn't possible to remove it.
In case you need your hair shaved, you may have a part or even your whole head shaved. Usually, the shaving is done as you’re under anesthesia in the operating room.
To properly treat a primary brain tumor, we must have an accurate diagnosis. There are approximately 125 types of brain tumors and the treatment for each type is in many cases unique. To remove a brain tumor, a neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull. This operation is called a craniotomy. Whenever possible, the surgeon attempts to remove the entire tumor. If the tumor cannot be completely removed without damaging vital brain tissue, your doctor may remove as much of the tumor as possible. Partial removal helps to relieve symptoms by reducing pressure on the brain and reduces the number of tumors to be treated by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some tumors cannot be removed. In such cases, your doctor may do only a biopsy. A small piece of the tumor is removed so that a pathologist can examine it under a microscope to determine the type of cells it contains. This helps your doctor decide which treatment to use. We’ll assess your condition and base a diagnosis on several factors, including:
Your symptoms and medical history
Results of your neurologic examination and other tests
The size, location, and grade of the tumor as determined through diagnostic imaging
The condition of your overall health
Surgery to remove a brain tumor carries risks, such as infection and bleeding. Other risks may depend on the part of your brain where your tumor is located. For instance, surgery on a tumor near nerves that connect to your eyes may carry a risk of vision loss.
Brain tumor surgery is a critical procedure performed to remove tumors in the brain. There are several types of brain tumor surgeries, each designed to address different types of tumors and their locations within the brain.
Craniotomy: This is the most common type of brain tumor surgery. In a craniotomy, a portion of the skull is removed to access the tumor. The surgeon then removes as much of the tumor as possible. After the procedure, the piece of the skull is replaced.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small piece of the tumor for examination under a microscope. This can be done through a needle biopsy, where a long, thin needle is inserted through a small hole in the skull, or as part of a craniotomy.
Endoscopic Brain Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted through a small hole in the skull or through the nose to reach the tumor. The surgeon can then remove the tumor or take a biopsy.
Transsphenoidal Surgery: This procedure is used for tumors in the pituitary gland or in the bottom part of the brain. The surgeon reaches the tumor through the nose and sinuses without making an incision in the skull.
Neuroendoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small hole is made in the skull, and a small camera is inserted to view the tumor and surrounding brain tissue. Special instruments are then used to remove the tumor.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Despite its name, this isn't a traditional surgery. Instead, it uses focused radiation to treat the tumor.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to heat and destroy the tumor. It's often used for hard-to-reach tumors or tumors that can't be removed with traditional surgery.
Each of these procedures has its risks and benefits, and the choice of procedure depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Patients need to discuss these factors thoroughly with their healthcare provider to ensure they are making the best possible decision for their health.
Recovery after brain tumor surgery is a complex process that involves both physical and emotional care.
Immediately after surgery, patients are closely monitored in the hospital to manage pain and watch for any complications. This can include seizures, infection, bleeding, or brain swelling. Medications may be given to help control these potential issues. The length of the hospital stay can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health, but it typically ranges from a few days to a week.
Once discharged, patients will need to continue their recovery at home. This involves plenty of rest and gradually resuming normal activities as tolerated. It's important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until cleared by the healthcare provider. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
Physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and coordination. Occupational therapy can also be beneficial for relearning daily tasks and coping with any changes in cognitive function. Speech therapy may be needed if the tumor or surgery has affected the patient's ability to speak or swallow.
Emotional care is equally important during recovery. It's common for patients to experience a range of emotions after brain tumor surgery, including fear, anxiety, depression, and frustration. Psychological counseling or support groups can provide a safe space to express these feelings and learn coping strategies.
Nutrition also plays a crucial role in recovery. A balanced diet can help the body heal and fight off infection. Some patients may need to work with a dietitian to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients.
Lastly, it's important for patients to be aware of signs of complications, such as worsening headaches, fever, increased drowsiness, or new neurological symptoms. These should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
Brain tumor surgery, while often necessary, comes with both risks and benefits that must be carefully considered.
The primary goal of brain tumor surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, which can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and in some cases, increase survival rates. Surgery can also provide a definitive diagnosis, as the removed tissue can be examined to determine the type and grade of the tumor. In some cases, surgery may be curative, particularly for benign tumors or malignant tumors that are localized and have not spread.
These include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia, which are risks common to all types of surgery. Specific to brain surgery, there is the risk of damage to the surrounding brain tissue, which can lead to new neurological symptoms or worsen existing ones. This can include difficulties with speech, vision, memory, balance, and other cognitive or physical functions.
There is also the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, seizures, stroke, and in rare cases, coma or death. The likelihood of these risks occurring can depend on the location and size of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and the skill and experience of the surgeon.
Post-surgery, patients may require rehabilitation to manage new or worsening symptoms, and may also require further treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy to manage any remaining tumor cells.
Preparing for brain tumor surgery in Iran involves a series of steps designed to ensure the patient is physically and mentally ready for the procedure.
About 1 or 2 weeks before the surgery, patients have a pre-assessment appointment. During this appointment, they undergo tests to check their fitness for surgery and meet members of their treatment team. These tests can include blood tests, an ECG, breathing tests, an echocardiogram, a chest x-ray, and scans such as an MRI or CT scan. Depending on the type of brain tumor, patients might also have blood tests to check for hormone levels or chemical markers, an electroencephalogram (EEG), neuropsychology tests, a brain angiogram, and a neurological examination.
Patients usually enter the hospital the day before or on the morning of the operation. The length of the hospital stay depends on the type of operation. During the pre-assessment appointment, the doctor or nurse will provide instructions about when to stop eating and drinking, and whether to stop any medications. It's important for patients not to stop taking their regular medicines unless the doctor tells them to.
At the hospital, patients might meet the surgeon, a member of the surgical team, the anesthetist, and the clinical nurse specialist. The surgeon will explain the operation, its benefits, the possible risks, and what to expect afterward. The anesthetist will discuss the anesthesia, which is the medicine that keeps the patient asleep during the operation. They will also ensure the patient is fit enough for the surgery. The clinical nurse specialist is there to support the patient throughout the treatment.
During brain tumor surgery in Iran, the procedure used and its duration depend on the type and location of the tumor. For instance, if the surgeon is performing a biopsy, the surgery typically takes 2-3 hours. If the surgeon is performing a craniotomy and removal of your tumor, the surgery typically takes 4-6 hours. If the surgeon is using a transsphenoidal approach to remove your tumor, the surgery typically takes 3-4 hours.
In addition to the surgery itself, there is also set-up time, and it could be 2-3 hours following the completion of your surgery before family or friends are allowed to visit you in your room. This gives your care team time to monitor your vital signs and determine you have stabilized without complications.
After brain surgery, it will take time for the patient to return to his/her usual level of energy. Healing requires extra rest. The amount of time required to recover after brain surgery is different for each person and depends on the procedure used to remove the brain tumor, the location of the tumor within the brain, areas of the brain affected by the surgery, and the patient’s age and overall health.
The patient should expect to stay in the hospital for two to five days. The length of stay depends on many factors, such as the type of surgery performed and whether the patient had any complications or required further treatment. Before being released from the hospital, doctors and nurses provide detailed instructions about home care.
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who suffer from brain tumor illnesses.
Brain tumor surgery, a critical procedure in the treatment of brain cancer, is a significant financial consideration in Iran. The cost of brain tumor surgery in Iran starts from around 4000 USD. However, the cost can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery.
The cost of brain tumor surgery is not the only expense; other services such as radiotherapy and medication also contribute to the overall cost. The treatment begins with a thorough diagnosis of the patient through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, followed by a biopsy to determine the tumor type. Treatment options may include surgery, where neurosurgeons remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing damage to the healthy brain tissue of the patient. In cases where the complete removal of the tumor is not possible, radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be recommended.
The specific treatment plan will depend on the tumor's size, location, and grade, as well as the patient's overall health. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up of the patient are essential to assess treatment effectiveness and address any potential complications or tumor recurrence in the patient, to improve the patient's quality of life and prognosis.
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