Brain Tumor Treatment in India

Types of Brain Tumor Treatment

There are many types of treatment for brain tumors. The selection of a particular treatment is based on the condition of the tumor. Sometimes a combination of treatments is used to treat the patient. Some of these treatments are:

• Radiation therapy
• Target drug therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Alternating electric field therapy

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high energy X-rays to kill the tumor. These beams of rays directly target the cells in the tumor without causing harm to healthy tissues in the surrounding. Radiation therapy can be:

External beam radiation therapy: In this, the beam of rays is coming from the machine outside the body and directs the rays on the tumor through the skin.
Internal beam radiation therapy: In this, the radioactive material is used to implant inside the tumor. The radioactive material emits rays to kill the tumor cells.

Target Drug Therapy

In this type of treatment, the medications are used to kill specific genes and proteins that are essential for the growth of tumors. In this way, drugs limit the growth of tumor cells formed in the brain. Target drug therapy is the latest technology in the treatment of cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are used to limit the growth of tumor cells by preventing the division and making more cells in the tumor. It is usually used in combination treatment after surgery to kill any remaining tumor cells if present. Chemotherapy is usually used in the aggressive type of cancers either alone or with other treatments.

Surgery

Surgery is the standard treatment for brain tumors in the early stages. It usually involves the removal of a tumor from the brain with some healthy tissue to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Sometimes, surgery is not an option due to the area involved where the vital structures are present or where it is impossible to reach.

Alternating Electric Field Therapy

In this treatment, a portable device is used to fit in the brain that limits the growth of tumor cells by interfering. It uses electrodes that use an electric field to perform its function. This treatment is successful and provides long term effects like chemotherapy.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumor Treatment

Some Diagnosis of Brain Tumor

CT Scan

In this, brain tumors are located by the use of X-rays. The CT scan even determines the exact location of the tumor form in the brain.

MRI

MRI uses magnetic and radio waves to create a picture of the inside of the brain. This test can give clear images of the brain. It helps to determine the size, location, and the nature of the tumor formed in the brain.

Biopsy

The tissue extracts from the tumor as a sample and is examined in the laboratory to check the presence of tumor cells. It is a confirmed diagnostic test for brain tumors.

Additional Tests

PET scan is used to scan the inside of the brain. In addition, spinal tap is used in which the fluid in the brain is tested for any tumor cell presence.

Cost of Brain Tumor Treatment in India

The cost of brain tumor treatment in India ranges from USD 3600 to USD 4400. However, it may depend on the type of treatment option for each individual patient. Some of the different treatments and their cost are described below:

Cost of different treatments for brain tumor in India

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Brain Tumor Treatment

Symptoms Associated with Brain Tumor

General Symptoms

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Jerks/ spasm
• Loss of control to body
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Bluish skin
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Change in smell and vision senses
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Memory loss
• Activity limitations

Specific Symptoms According to Location of Brain Tumor

• Pressure on the site of tumor
• Difficulty in using hand for task
• Muscle weakness and paralysis
• Temporary loss of vision
• Difficulty in understanding
• Difficult in talking or swallowing
• Facial muscles paralysis
• Change in behavior
• Inability to recognize things and people.

Risk Factors of Brain Tumor

Age

Brain tumors can be developed at any age but it is more common in adults and children.

Gender

Brain tumors are more likely to be developed in male population. But some specific types of brain tumors are mostly found in women.

Family History

A close family member who is diagnosed with a brain tumor can be the major risk factor to develop a brain tumor.

Exposure to Radiation

Exposure to high radiations like radiation therapy for head or neck cancers may increase the risk of brain tumors. Or the exposure to radiation in the workplaces can also be the risk factor of developing brain tumors.

Head Injuries

There is a positive correlation between some specific types of brain tumors and the history of trauma. In recent studies, it has been shown that the brain tumor of non-supporting cells can develop after a head injury.