Brain Cancer

Prevention & screening

Not all tumours of the brain are the same. There may be variations, depending on the size, aggressiveness, location and growth of the tumours, causing corresponding variations in the signs and symptoms of the tumours. One must always be aware of the family's medical history, including the cases of cancers and tumours. A history of genetic syndromes that may cause brain cancer must be taken seriously and communicated to one's doctor. For instance, a family history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and Turcot syndrome can increase the chances of brain cancer. Understanding these threats can make all the difference, by helping identify the brain tumours at an early stage.

Although there are many symptoms that may appear, it is important to get oneself screened if the following symptoms appear:

• Seizures
• Frequent headaches of increased severity, commonly accompanied by vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Loss of memory & vision

Ignoring the symptoms of brain cancer can be especially detrimental if they persist for over a month. Ignoring the signs and/or avoiding treatment can worsen the situation. In such a scenario, it is important to visit a Neurologist, Neurosurgeon or General Physician, at the earliest. Brain Cancers can be best managed with timely detection.

Diagnosis

Cytecare performs a wide variety of neuro-radiology procedures to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of brain cancers as well as brain cancer related neurological issues. Some of these procedures are-

• CT/MRI/PET Imaging of brain & spine
• Lumbar puncture
• Transcranial Doppler
• Carotid ultrasound
• Interventional angiography that includes stenting, thrombolysis, sinus sampling
• Image-guided percutaneous biopsy
• Vertebroplasty

Treatment

Management of brain tumours, and specifically cancers, requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a neurosurgeon, neurologist, radiologist and oncologist. Cytecare also offers pre- and post-surgical counselling for patients and their relatives, paramount in having a meaningful treatment outcome. Treating brain cancer requires extreme planning and coordination among specialists. The outcome of cancer treatment is dependent on several factors, such as the grade of the tumour, location, age of the patient, general physical condition of the patient etc. Therefore we consider each case unique, and build a treatment plan in cohesion with available clinical research data to ensure the best outcome both in terms of survival and quality of life.

Cytecare provides comprehensive and advanced clinical services for tumours like glioma, low grade astrocytoma, high grade astrocytoma (Glioblastoma), meningioma, pituitary adenoma, ependymoma, nerve sheath tumours, primary spinal cord tumours, which is prevalent in adults and ependymoma, low grade astrocytoma, high grade astrocytoma (Glioblastoma), and medulloblastoma, which are predominantly seen in paediatric cases.

Neurosurgery: The best outcome in brain surgery is largely dependent on maximal tumour removal. Our neurosurgery services cover both primary as well as metastatic brain tumours. Our focus is to remove the tumour completely or as much as possible, with a parallel goal of preserving maximum neurological function. We use the most advanced techniques, sophisticated tools and state-of-the-art technology to perform surgery. Post-surgical tumour removal, depending on the biopsy report regarding the type of tumour, adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is administered after recommendation of the tumour board

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy