Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing in or near the brain that takes up space, can press on normal brain tissue, and may grow slowly or quickly. Some tumors are non‑cancerous and grow slowly, while others are cancerous and can spread in the brain and return after treatment.

1) What is this condition?

It is an abnormal growth of cells inside the skull, which can start in the brain itself or spread there from another part of the body.
Tumors can be “benign” (non‑cancerous) or “malignant” (cancerous), and there are many different types with very different behaviors.
Even a non‑cancerous tumor can be serious because the skull is a closed space and any extra growth can press on important areas.

2) How serious is it?

Seriousness depends on: tumor type, size, speed of growth, and where it sits in the brain.
Some slow‑growing tumors can be watched or treated and people live many years with few symptoms; aggressive tumors can threaten life within months if not treated.
Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, weakness, changes in personality or thinking, or problems with speech, vision, or balance.

3) Non‑surgical treatments

Medicines to reduce swelling around the tumor, ease headaches, and help with nausea.
Seizure‑prevention medicines if there have been seizures.
Radiation treatments that use focused beams to damage tumor cells and slow or stop their growth (standard radiation, focused radiosurgery, or proton therapy).
Drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted drugs, or immune‑based drugs, depending on tumor type and test results.
Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech therapy) and counseling to help with movement, thinking, speech, and emotional health.

4) Types of surgery that may be needed

Open brain surgery (craniotomy) to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible.
“Keyhole” or minimally invasive approaches for select tumors using smaller openings, sometimes with cameras and special tools.
Biopsy only (small sample taken) when the tumor cannot be safely removed, to learn the exact type and guide other treatments.

5) Goals of surgery vs non‑surgical care

Non‑surgical goals:
- Control symptoms (pain, seizures, swelling) and improve day‑to‑day function.
- Slow or stop tumor growth when surgery cannot remove it completely or at all.
Surgery goals:
- Remove all visible tumor when safely possible.
- If full removal is not safe, take out as much as possible to relieve pressure and make other treatments work better.

6) How surgery can “fix” the problem

By taking out tumor tissue, surgery reduces pressure in the skull and can quickly ease symptoms like headaches or weakness.
Removing most or all of the tumor can lower the number of abnormal cells left behind, giving radiation and drug treatments less to target and improving their effect.
Biopsy surgery gives exact information about tumor type and behavior, which guides the whole treatment plan.

7) Risks of surgery (general and specific)

General risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, reactions to anesthesia, and stroke.
Brain‑specific risks:
- New or worse problems with movement, speech, vision, memory, or personality, depending on where the tumor is.
- Fluid build‑up, leakage of brain fluid, or need for a drain or shunt to control pressure.
- Not all tumor can be removed, leaving a need for more treatment later.

8) Chances this surgery will work

For some slow‑growing or easily reached tumors, surgery can remove the tumor completely and may be close to a cure.
For more aggressive or deep tumors, surgery often improves symptoms and extends life but usually must be combined with radiation and drugs.
Outcomes depend strongly on tumor type, grade, location, how much can be removed, and the person’s age and overall health.

9) Possible complications from the surgery

Short‑term: swelling in the brain, confusion, weakness, speech trouble, seizures, or infection at the wound.
Long‑term: lasting changes in movement, speech, vision, memory, or mood; some people cannot return to their previous work or activities.
The tumor can come back, especially if it is aggressive or could not be fully removed.

10) Typical recovery from the condition

Recovery is very different from person to person; many see improvement over months with therapy and support, while others live with ongoing symptoms.
Fatigue, trouble concentrating, memory changes, and mood swings are common and may last even when scans look stable.
People often need ongoing support from a care team, family, and community resources to manage daily life.

11) Typical recovery after surgery

First days: hospital stay, often with close monitoring; drowsiness, headaches, or confusion are common early on.
First weeks to months: gradual increase in activity; many people see major gains in 3–6 months, though full healing can take a year or more.
Rehabilitation may be needed to work on walking, hand use, speech, memory, and thinking skills.

12) How long in the hospital

Many people stay in the hospital about 3–7 days after brain tumor surgery if recovery is smooth.
Longer stays may be needed for complications, intensive rehab, or if other treatments (like radiation or chemo) start in the hospital.

13) Long‑term outlook

Benign or slow‑growing tumors often have 5‑year survival rates around 80–95%, especially when mostly or fully removed.
Aggressive tumors can have much lower long‑term survival (often around 5–25%), but new treatments and clinical trials are improving options.
Quality of life can still be good with the right mix of treatment, rehabilitation, symptom control, and emotional support.

14) Need for outpatient follow‑up

Regular visits with the neurosurgeon and cancer specialists are essential to track healing, symptoms, and treatment side effects.
Repeat brain scans (MRI or CT) are used to watch for any tumor left behind or signs that it is growing back.
Long‑term follow‑up may include therapy, support groups, counseling, and help with work, driving, and daily activities.