Brain Cancer Surgical Treatment: Removing Tumors in the Brain
When facing a diagnosis of brain cancers, one of the primary brain tumor treatments that doctors often consider is surgery. For many types of brain, surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible is an important part of the overall treatment plan.
Wewill explain the goals of brain cancer surgical treatment, the different surgical techniques that might be used, what to expect during and after surgery, and why it’s a key component in managing these complex conditions.
The main goal of brain cancer surgical treatment is to remove the brain tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues and preserving neurological function.
The extent to which a brain tumor can be removed safely depend on the type of tumor, its size, and its location within the parts of the brain.
Why is Surgery Performed for Brain Cancer?
Surgery plays a vital role in the management of brain cancers for several reasons:
- Tumor Removal: The most direct way to eliminate tumor cells is through surgery to remove the mass. Complete or near-complete removal can significantly improve symptoms and, in some cases, lead to a cure for certain types of brain.
- Diagnosis (Biopsy): Even if the entire tumor cannot be safely removed, surgery often allows neurosurgeons to obtain a tissue sample for a brain cancer biopsy (as discussed in our dedicated article). This tissue sample is crucial for accurately identifying the type of brain tumor and its grade, which guides further brain tumor treatments.
- Symptom Relief: Removing or reducing the size of a tumor can alleviate pressure on the brain tissue and surrounding structures, leading to a reduction in symptoms like headaches, seizures (as discussed in our article on brain cancer symptoms), and neurological deficits.
- Improving Effectiveness of Other Treatments: Reducing the bulk of the tumor through surgery can sometimes make other brain tumor treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, more effective.
Surgical Techniques Used for Brain Cancer
Neurosurgeons employ various surgical techniques depending on the characteristics and location of the brain tumor:
- Craniotomy: This is the most common surgical approach for removing brain tumors. It involves temporarily removing a section of the skull to access the brain. The neurosurgeon then uses specialized surgical instruments to carefully remove as much of the tumor as possible while protecting the surrounding healthy tissues and areas of the brain that control vital functions like movement, speech, and vision. Once the tumor is removed, the skull flap is replaced and secured.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: For some tumors, especially those located deep within the brain or in delicate areas of the brain, minimally invasive techniques may be used. These approaches often involve making small holes in the skull and using specialized endoscopes (thin tubes with cameras) and surgical instruments to visualize and remove the tumor. Stereotactic surgery, often used for biopsies (as detailed in our article on brain cancer biopsy), can also be adapted for tumor removal in some cases.
- Awake Craniotomy: In certain situations, particularly when the tumor is located near areas of the brain that control critical functions like speech or motor skills, an awake craniotomy may be performed. During this procedure, the patient is kept awake and responsive during part of the surgery. This allows the neurosurgeon to directly monitor the patient’s neurological function as the tumor is being removed, ensuring that essential abilities are preserved. The patient may be asked to perform tasks like speaking, moving their limbs, or looking at images during the surgery.
- Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): This minimally invasive technique uses a laser to heat and destroy tumor cells. A small probe containing the laser fiber is guided to the tumor’s location using real-time mri scans. The laser then delivers controlled thermal energy to ablate the tumor. LITT can be particularly useful for deep-seated tumors or those that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery.
- Fluorescence-Guided Surgery: Some surgical techniques utilize fluorescent dyes that are given to the patient before surgery. These dyes are preferentially absorbed by tumor cells, making them glow under a special blue light in the operating room. This helps the neurosurgeon to better visualize the extent of the tumor and ensure more complete removal while sparing healthy tissues.
- Surgery for Skull Base Tumors: Skull base tumors are located at the base of the skull, often near important nerves and blood vessels. Their removal often requires specialized surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, including neurosurgeons and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
The experience of brain cancer surgical treatment will vary depending on the type of surgery being performed and the individual patient’s situation.
Before Surgery
The neurosurgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation, including neurological exams and mri scans or ct scans (as discussed in our article on brain cancer imaging).
They will explain the surgical procedure in detail, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and answer any questions. The patient will also undergo routine pre-operative tests.
During Surgery
The patient will be under general anesthesia for most surgical techniques, except for an awake craniotomy.
The length of the surgery can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the tumor. The neurosurgeon will carefully remove as much of the tumor as safely possible using specialized surgical instruments.
After Surgery
Following surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in a recovery room and then transferred to a neurosurgical unit. The immediate post-operative period focuses on managing pain, controlling swelling, and monitoring neurological function.
The length of the stay in hospital will depend on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s recovery. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, may be necessary to help patients regain any lost function.
Follow-up mri scans will be performed to assess the extent of tumor removal and monitor for any recurrence.
The Role of Surgery in the Broader Treatment Plan
Surgery is often just one component of the overall brain tumor treatments plan. Depending on the type of brain tumor and its grade, other therapies like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be used before, during, or after surgery to further eliminate tumor cells and prevent recurrence. Participation in clinical trials may also be an option.
The Darren Daulton Foundation’s Support
The Darren Daulton Foundation understands the significant financial burden that brain cancer surgical treatment and subsequent therapies can place on individuals and families.
While this article provides information about surgical options, the foundation is dedicated to offering financial assistance to those undergoing treatment for primary malignant brain tumors.
Join our team: Volunteer today
Need support? Learn about financial aid
Brain cancer surgical treatment is a critical tool in the management of brain cancers. Utilizing various surgical techniques, neurosurgeons strive to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible, provide a diagnosis, relieve symptoms, and improve the effectiveness of other brain tumor treatments.
The decision to proceed with surgery, the specific approach used, and the post-operative care are all carefully tailored to the individual patient and the unique characteristics of their brain tumor.
Disclaimer: The information provided here by the Darren Daulton Brain Cancer Foundation is for educational purposes and general guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.
