To Book an Appointment

Brain Tumours: Types, Risks, Surgery Indications, and Recovery Guide

By Dr. Amitabh Goel in Neurosurgery , Neurosciences , Spine Surgery

Jun 03 , 2025 | 2 min read

Understanding Brain Tumours

Brain tumours are among the most complex and challenging conditions in the human body in medicine. They can be life-threatening, and their treatment usually requires a cross-sectional and interdisciplinary approach. Among all the various treatment options available, surgery is the most effective option for treating brain tumours.

This blog will explore when surgery is the best option for brain tumour patients, the factors influencing surgical decisions, and what patients can expect during the surgical journey.

What is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells present within the brain or its surrounding tissues. These tumours can be characterised as either:

Primary: Originating within the brain
Secondary: Metastatic tumours that spread from other parts of the body

They can also be:

Benign: Non-cancerous
Malignant: Cancerous

Each presents its own set of challenges.

Types of Brain Tumours

Gliomas: The most common type, originating from glial cells
Meningiomas: Arising from the meninges, the protective layers around the brain
Pituitary Tumours: Occur in the pituitary gland
Acoustic Neuromas: Affect the nerves responsible for hearing and balance
Metastatic Tumours: Spread to the brain from other parts of the body

When is Surgery the Best Option?

Surgery is typically recommended as the best option for brain tumours in these situations:

Exception: When the tumour is located in a surgically inaccessible area
High Growth Rate: Rapidly growing tumours often require surgical intervention to prevent further damage
Clear Borders: Tumours with well-defined borders are easier to remove completely
Symptomatic Relief: If the tumour causes severe headaches or neurological deficits such as limb weakness or vision loss
Diagnosis and Biopsy: Surgery may be needed to obtain a tissue sample for accurate diagnosis

Types of Brain Tumour Surgeries

Craniotomy: The most common approach, where a part of the skull is temporarily removed and then replaced
Endoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive approach using a small camera, ideal for hard-to-reach tumours
Awake Brain Surgery: Performed while the patient is conscious to preserve critical brain functions

Preparing for Brain Tumour Surgery

Before surgery, the patient undergoes thorough diagnostic evaluations, including:

MRI scans
CT scans
Functional MRI (fMRI) to map critical brain areas

Pre-surgical counselling is also conducted to help the patient understand the procedure, associated risks, and expected outcomes.

Risks and Potential Complications

Like any surgical procedure, brain tumour surgery carries certain risks, including:

Infection
Bleeding
Neurological deficits
Seizures
Swelling of the brain

However, advancements in neurosurgery and state-of-the-art technology have significantly reduced these risks.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery depends on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health. It typically involves:

Initial monitoring in the ICU
Post-operative recovery in a general ward
Rehabilitation therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, to regain lost functions

Conclusion

Surgery is a critical component of brain tumour management. It can offer a potential cure or significant symptomatic relief in many cases. The decision to undergo surgery is made after thorough evaluation by a team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Consulting an experienced neurosurgeon can help patients and families make informed decisions about treatment options.