Brain Tumor Removal: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
An abnormal growth of brain tissue known as a brain tumor or a craniotomy is removed by brain surgery, also known as brain tumor surgery or craniotomy. A brain tumor can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The goal of brain tumor removal is to eliminate as much of the tumor as possible while preserving brain function and relieving symptoms.
Preparation
There are several steps involved in preparing for brain tumor removal:
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Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine the type, size, and location of the tumor, including physical exams, imaging tests (such as MRIs and CT scans), and possibly a biopsy.
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Your neurosurgeon and other members of the healthcare team will discuss the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatments with you.
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In the days leading up to the surgery, your healthcare provider may instruct you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding.
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Before surgery, you will likely be instructed to fast for a certain period of time to ensure your stomach is empty.
Procedure
These steps are typically followed when removing a brain tumor:
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As part of the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia to ensure you remain unconscious and pain-free.
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A neurosurgeon will make an incision in the scalp and create a small opening in the skull (craniotomy) to access the brain.
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A neurosurgeon will carefully remove the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue using specialized surgical tools and techniques.
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After the tumor is removed, the skull will be closed with sutures or metal plates, and the scalp incision will be bandaged.
Recovery
An individual's recovery from brain tumor removal will depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as their overall health and age.
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After surgery, you will most likely spend several days in the hospital for pain management and close monitoring.
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To regain strength, mobility, and cognitive function, you may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy depending on the extent of the surgery.
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A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery, assess any new symptoms, and determine the need for additional treatment, such as radiation therapy.
Risks
There are certain risks and potential complications associated with brain tumor removal, including:
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If the tumor is located near blood vessels or in critical areas of the brain, bleeding inside the skull (intracranial hemorrhage) is a risk during and after surgery.
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There is a risk of developing a postoperative infection at the surgical site or within the brain, which may require antibiotics.
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A person might experience temporary or permanent neurological deficits, such as weakness, paralysis, sensory changes, or cognitive impairment, depending on the location of the tumor and the extent of the surgery.
Aftercare
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for aftercare after brain tumor removal, which may include:
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Take prescribed medications as directed to manage pain, prevent infection, and reduce complications.
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You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or driving until your healthcare provider has cleared you to do so.
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Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider as soon as possible, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision or speech, weakness, or seizures.
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Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery, discuss any concerns, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Patients and their caregivers can better support optimal recovery and outcomes by understanding the overview, preparation, procedure, recovery, risks, and aftercare associated with brain tumor removal.
