DONATEBrain Tumor Treatment
Overview
At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), we understand that a diagnosis of a brain tumour can bring immense stress and concern for patients and their families. That’s why as a leading brain tumour hospital in India, we deliver accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate support at every step of the treatment. Our specialists leverage the latest diagnostic and surgical technologies, precision radiation therapy and radiosurgery, and targeted drug therapies to provide end-to-end care for all types of brain tumours, ranging from common benign tumours to aggressive malignant ones. With an experienced team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, and nursing care staff, RGCIRC ensures that every patient receives a personalised and comprehensive treatment plan ensuring the best possible outcome.
What is Brain Tumor?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells inside the brain. Because the skull is a closed space, even a small tumour can increase pressure and interfere with important brain functions. Some tumours grow slowly, while others are more aggressive. What makes brain tumours serious is their ability to affect memory, movement, vision, and other vital functions depending on where they develop.
Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
What are the Types of Brain Tumors?
Brain tumours are classified in different ways depending on their behaviour and where they start:
Benign vs Malignant
- Benign tumours are non-cancerous and usually grow slowly, but they can still cause serious problems if they press on sensitive brain areas.
- Malignant tumours are cancerous, grow faster, and often spread into surrounding brain tissue.
Primary vs Secondary
- Primary brain tumours begin in the brain itself.
- Secondary (metastatic) tumours spread to the brain from cancers in other organs such as the lung, breast, or kidney.
Glial Tumours (Gliomas)
Develop from cells that support nerve cells. These include:
- Astrocytomas: Grow from star-shaped brain cells.
- Oligodendrogliomas: Often found in the frontal or temporal lobes.
- Glioblastomas: Aggressive tumours that grow rapidly.
Non-Glial Tumours
Originate from other brain structures. Examples are:
- Meningiomas: From the protective layers of the brain.
- Pituitary tumours: Affect hormone production.
- Schwannomas: Develop on nerves.
- Pineal gland tumours and craniopharyngiomas: Less common but important types.
Paediatric Brain Tumours
Certain tumours, such as medulloblastomas and ependymomas, are more common in children and need specialised care.
At RGCIRC, every patient’s tumour is carefully studied by our neurosurgeons, neurologists, and oncologists to identify its exact type and plan the most effective treatment.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors?
Brain tumours can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on their size, type, and location in the brain. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other conditions. As the tumour grows, the pressure inside the skull increases, leading to more noticeable warning signs.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent headaches: Often worse in the morning or with activity.
Seizures: Sudden fits or convulsions in people with no prior history of epilepsy.
Difficulty thinking, speaking, or understanding language: Changes in communication or concentration.
Weakness or paralysis: Usually on one side of the body.
Vision or hearing problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or hearing loss.
Balance issues and dizziness: Trouble walking or maintaining coordination.
Personality or behaviour changes: Mood swings, irritability, or confusion.
Nausea and vomiting: Especially when persistent and unexplained.
Facial numbness or tingling: Due to nerve involvement.
Drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation: More common in advanced stages.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and many of these can be linked to other conditions. However, if these problems persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. At RGCIRC, early diagnosis allows our specialists to offer timely treatment and better outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors of Brain Tumors
The exact cause of most brain tumours is not always known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing them. At RGCIRC, specialists consider these risks when evaluating patients and planning preventive strategies:
Genetic mutations and inherited syndromes: Changes in DNA or inherited conditions can make some people more likely to develop brain tumours.
Exposure to radiation: Previous radiation therapy to the head or long-term exposure to harmful radiation may raise the risk.
Family history: Having a close relative with a brain tumour slightly increases the chances.
Immune system disorders: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Previous cancers: Cancers in other parts of the body, such as the lung, breast, or kidney, may spread to the brain and cause secondary tumours.
Environmental and lifestyle factors: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, tobacco smoke, or obesity may also play a role.
While these factors may increase the likelihood of brain tumours, having one or more risks does not always mean a tumour will develop. Regular check-ups and early medical attention for persistent symptoms remain the best defence.
Advanced Diagnostics for Brain Tumors
At RGCIRC, accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective brain tumour treatment. Our team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and pathologists work together to confirm the presence, type, and grade of the tumour using advanced diagnostic methods.
Key diagnostic tools include:
- Neurological examination: Doctors check memory, reflexes, balance, vision, hearing, and coordination to identify which part of the brain may be affected.
- Imaging tests: MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of the brain to locate the tumour, measure its size, and see if it has spread. In some cases, PET scans and angiography are used for further assessment.
- Biopsy: A small piece of the tumour is removed and studied under a microscope to confirm the type of cells and whether they are benign or malignant. This can be done through stereotactic (needle-guided) where biopsy can be taken even in very deep part of brain.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): In select cases, a sample of spinal fluid is tested to detect cancer cells or markers.
- Functional MRI and PET scans: Used before surgery to map important brain areas, connectome imaging a type of MRI which help surgeons plan a safer operation. It delineates regions of the brain responsible for speech, movement, thinking, and memory in relation to the tumor, and is utilized for navigation during precision brain tumor surgeries.
- Tumour staging and grading: Specialists assess how advanced the tumour is. While staging describes its spread, grading (WHO Grade I–IV) shows how aggressive the tumour cells are.
By combining these methods, RGCIRC ensures each patient receives a personalised treatment plan based on precise diagnosis.
Benefits of Early Detection and Treatment
Detecting a brain tumour at an early stage makes a significant difference in treatment and recovery. At RGCIRC, our specialists emphasise timely diagnosis because it offers several key benefits, such as:
- Better prognosis and survival rates: Early-stage tumours are often easier to treat successfully.
- More treatment options: Patients may qualify for less invasive procedures when the tumour is detected early.
- Reduced complications: Early care prevents serious damage to brain tissue and vital functions.
- Improved quality of life: Prompt treatment helps control symptoms, shorten recovery, and support day-to-day wellbeing.
This is why anyone experiencing persistent neurological symptoms should seek medical attention without delay. At RGCIRC, early intervention allows our team to design the most effective treatment plan for each patient.
Understanding Brain Tumor Staging and Grading
Doctors use both staging and grading to describe brain tumours. While the two terms are related, they provide different information that helps guide treatment.
Brain Tumor Staging
Staging describes how far the tumour has spread and helps doctors decide how aggressive the treatment needs to be.
- Early stage: The tumour is limited to one area of the brain.
- Advanced stage: The tumour has grown larger or spread to other parts of the brain, spinal cord, or body.
Brain Tumor Grading
Grading focuses on how abnormal the tumour cells look under the microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow. Doctors often use the WHO grading system listed below:
- Grade I: Slow-growing, less aggressive tumours.
- Grade II: Tumours that may grow back and become more aggressive over time.
- Grade III: Faster-growing tumours that are malignant.
- Grade IV: Highly aggressive, cancerous tumours such as glioblastomas.
While stages describe where the tumour has spread, grades indicate how aggressive the tumour cells are. Both are important in deciding the treatment plan and predicting recovery. At RGCIRC, each case is reviewed by our multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and oncologists, ensuring that staging and grading are used together for precise treatment planning.
Advanced Brain Tumor Treatments at RGCIRC
At RGCIRC, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology programme where neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation experts work together to deliver personalised treatment. Care is tailored to the size, type, grade, and location of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. At RGCIRC, we provide:
Multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology Care
Every case is reviewed in a tumour board meeting, ensuring that treatment plans are designed with input from multiple specialists. This approach offers patients the safest and most effective options.
Cutting-Edge Surgical Techniques
- Stereotactic Craniotomy (Brain Tumour Surgery): A surgical procedure to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving vital brain tissue, performed with the help of advanced neuro-navigation technology.
- Brain Mapping: An advanced technique used during awake craniotomy to help surgeons safely remove tumours located near eloquent areas of the brain that control critical functions such as speech and movement.
- Stereotactic surgery and endoscopic procedures: Minimally invasive approaches for selected cases.
Precision Radiation & Radiosurgery
Radiation therapy: High-energy beams used to destroy remaining tumour cells when surgery is not possible or as a follow-up treatment.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife): A highly focused radiation technique that targets tumours with extreme accuracy, sparing healthy brain tissue.
Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapies
- Chemotherapy: Medicines given orally, intravenously, or directly into spinal fluid to destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Advanced drugs that act on specific genetic or molecular changes in tumour cells, offering more precise treatment with fewer side effects.
Rehabilitation & Supportive Care
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- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy: To improve strength, mobility, and daily functioning.
- Counselling and Psychological Support: To help patients and families cope emotionally.
- Seizure and Symptom Management: Medications to control seizures, reduce swelling, and manage pain.
With advanced infrastructure, expert specialists, and a patient-first approach, RGCIRC provides comprehensive care for all types of brain tumours.
Can Brain Tumors Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent brain tumours, but certain steps may lower the risk or help in early detection. At RGCIRC, specialists recommend:
- Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure: Limit medical imaging such as X-rays and CT scans to cases where they are truly needed.
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco use: Tobacco-related chemicals may increase the risk of certain cancers, including secondary brain tumours.
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle: Obesity and poor diet are linked to higher risks of several cancers.
- Consult a genetic counsellor if there is family history: Inherited conditions can increase the likelihood of brain tumours, and early monitoring can make a difference.
- Regular medical check-ups: Especially for people with known risk factors or past cancers.
While prevention is not always possible, early diagnosis and timely treatment remain the best defence against complications from brain tumours.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Brain tumours often show signs that may be mistaken for common health issues. However, persistent or worsening neurological symptoms should never be ignored. At RGCIRC, we advise medical consultation in cases such as:
Frequent or worsening headaches: Especially if they are severe in the morning or accompanied by nausea.
Seizures: Occurring without a prior history of epilepsy.
Sudden changes in vision, hearing, or balance: That do not improve.
Weakness, numbness, or paralysis: Affecting one side of the body.
Difficulty speaking, understanding language, or changes in personality.
Confusion, memory problems, or disorientation: That interfere with daily life.
Early medical attention allows our specialists to diagnose conditions promptly and begin treatment before complications develop. At RGCIRC, timely evaluation by our neurosurgeons and neurologists ensures that patients receive the most effective care at the right stage.
Why Choose RGCIRC for Brain Tumor Treatment?
At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), we understand the complexity of brain tumour treatment and the importance of choosing a centre with proven expertise. We are committed to offering care that blends advanced technology, clinical excellence, and compassionate support. We provider:
Experienced Neurosurgeons and Neurologists
We have a specialised team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation experts with extensive experience in treating both common and rare brain tumours.
Advanced Technology and Precision Care
We are equipped with cutting-edge facilities such as intraoperative MRI, stereotactic surgery systems, and Gamma Knife radiosurgery, enabling safer surgeries and precise treatments.
Multidisciplinary Tumour Board
Every case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumour board, where specialists from different fields collaborate to design personalised treatment plans tailored to the type and stage of the tumour.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Support
We provide rehabilitation services, psychological counselling, physiotherapy, and long-term follow-up to ensure complete care beyond the initial treatment.
By combining expertise with advanced technology and patient-centred care, we stand as one of the best brain tumour hospitals in India, trusted for comprehensive and compassionate cancer care. To consult a brain tumour specialist at RGCIRC, call us at +91-11-47022222.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How common are primary brain tumours?
Primary brain tumours are less common than many other cancers. In India, thousands of new cases are reported each year, and timely diagnosis plays a vital role in improving outcomes.
Q: What are the survival rates for brain tumour patients?
Survival depends on the type, grade, and stage of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. With early detection and advanced treatments available at RGCIRC, many patients achieve better long-term outcomes.
Q: What are the early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour?
Early symptoms may include persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes, dizziness, weakness, or sudden behavioural changes. These should be evaluated by a doctor at the earliest.
Q: What is the difference between benign and malignant brain tumours?
Benign tumours grow slowly and usually do not spread, while malignant tumours are cancerous, grow faster, and invade surrounding tissues. Both require medical care as they can affect brain function.
Q: Are paediatric brain tumours treated at RGCIRC?
Yes. RGCIRC provides specialised care for children with brain tumours, supported by paediatric oncologists, neurosurgeons, and a dedicated rehabilitation team.
Q: Does RGCIRC offer advanced brain tumour surgeries?
Yes. Advanced surgical options such as craniotomy, brain mapping, stereotactic surgery, and intraoperative MRI are available at RGCIRC, ensuring precise and safe removal of tumours.
Q: Can a brain tumour be detected by CT scan?
Yes. A CT scan can help detect brain tumours, but MRI often provides more detailed images. At RGCIRC, both CT and MRI scans are used depending on the case.
Q: Are brain tumours always cancer?
No. Some brain tumours are benign (non-cancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). Both types may require treatment due to the pressure they create inside the skull.
Q: Is brain tumour curable?
Treatment success depends on the type and grade of tumour. Many benign tumours can be fully removed, while malignant tumours may require surgery combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Q: Where can I find the best brain tumour hospital near me in Delhi?
RGCIRC is recognised as one of the best brain tumour hospitals in Delhi and India, offering advanced diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and comprehensive rehabilitation under one roof.
