What is the Success Rate of Brain Tumor Surgery?
Surgical removal of brain tumor surgery has high success rates, and more than 80% of patients survive after five years of surgery. However, generally, the success rates of brain tumor surgery can vary from 75% to 90% depending on the size of the tumor, location of the tumor, age and gender of the patient, and the stage of the tumor. The success rates are high for the patients in which brain tumor is diagnosed early.
What is Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells found in the brain. The tumors form in the brain and interrupt the normal functioning of brain cells. The symptoms of a brain tumor depend on the location of the brain tumor form in the brain. Some parts of the brain are more sensitive than others, and if brain tumors occur in these areas, severe complications can occur.
Brain tumors can destroy brain cells, increasing pressure on surrounding tissues and within the skull. It can also cause bleeding, so it is very important to treat brain tumors with any of the following treatments:
- Brain Tumor Surgery or Craniotomy
- Radiosurgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Proton therapy
Brain Tumor Treatment Success Rates
Treatment success for brain tumors can vary according to the type, size, and location of the tumor. Most non-cancerous tumors can be treated and cured through complete surgical removal. However, for aggressive and cancerous tumors, surgery is performed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
The definition of treatment success depends on individual goals. Some patients need complete tumor removal, while others prioritize symptom relief and quality of life. These individual goals can affect the treatment plan and the types of treatments. The essential aspects of the success rates of brain tumor treatment are as follows:
- One of the most effective ways to treat brain tumors is surgical removal. In the early stages of cancer, the success rate is 85%. However, due to its large size, the tumor cannot be removed completely in later stages, and the success rate drops to 40%.
- Some of the brain tumors, like schwannomas, which are generally slow-growing and noncancerous, can often be treated successfully with surgery. The success rate for these types of tumors is around 90%.
- On the other hand, brain tumors that grow aggressively, such as glioblastoma, may require a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Still, the success rate for these remains 5%.
- Although cancerous brain tumors generally have a poor prognosis, there are cases of long-term survival. Some patients have lived 5, 10, or even 20 years after the diagnosis of a brain tumor.
Factors Affecting the Success Rate of Brain Tumor
Brain tumor success rates depend on various factors, and understanding these factors is essential for patients and their families. Some of these factors are described below:
Type and Grade of the Tumor: Brain tumors with an aggressive nature have poor success rates of treatments as compared to brain tumors, which grow slowly.
Location and Size: The tumor's position and size affect the efficacy of treatment. Tumors that are present in sensitive areas of the brain cannot be removed completely, which can affect the overall success rate of treatment.
Age and Overall Health of Patient: Younger patients and those in better general health generally have high success rates. On the other hand, adults with poor general health can show minimum response to treatments.
Treatment Response: The success of treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy vary, with some tumors being more responsive due to their genetic composition.
Early Detection and Treatment: Early identification and treatment of tumors can significantly improve the success of brain tumor treatments.
Genetic and Molecular Characteristics: Certain changes in a tumor's genes can help predict how aggressive it is and how it will respond to treatment. These genetic changes can also indicate if a tumor is likely to respond to specific treatments. This knowledge can help in planning effective treatment to improve success rates.
What Can I Do to Improve Survival?
Brain tumors can be a complex disease to treat, but there are some strategies that can improve the survival rates. To increase the chances of survival for an individual with a brain tumor, it is essential to explore the following strategies:
- Early Detection and Diagnosis
- Look for Specialized Medical Care
- Follow Recommended Treatment Plans
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Stay Informed About Your Condition
- Consider Clinical Trials
- Manage Symptoms and Side Effects
- Support System
- Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Personalized Treatment Approach
- Rehabilitation
These strategies can help you to increase the survival rate after the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Rehabilitation after the removal of the tumor is also an essential component to improve survival rates.
FAQ's Of The Success Rate of Brain Tumor Surgery
Can You Live an Everyday Life After Brain Tumor Removal?
If a brain tumor is diagnosed at an early stage, it is possible to remove the tumor completely and live a normal life.
Do People Fully Recover From Brain Tumors?
Many people recover completely from brain tumors, but it usually depends on individual factors.
Is Brain Tumor Surgery Painful?
No, brain tumor surgery is performed with anesthesia, so it is not painful.
What to Eat After Brain Tumor Surgery?
After brain tumor surgery, a healthy and balanced diet is recommended to prevent further complications.
Can You Fully Recover From a Brain Tumor?
The recovery after a brain tumor depends on each patient’s condition, but most of the patients can fully recover from a brain tumor if diagnosed early.
