A brain tumor is a growth of cells in the brain that multiply in an abnormal way. In this article, Dr. Montes of Instituto Clavel explains what you can expect during recovery from surgery for a brain tumor.
Diseases of the brain are generally the ones that raise most concerns among patients. Therefore, understanding the diagnosis and knowing that there are various treatment options, is very important, because brain surgery can often be simpler than spine surgery.
Dr. Guillermo Montes Graciano, a neurosurgeon who specializes in oncological brain surgery and cervical and lumbar arthroplasty at Instituto Clavel, tells us here about the recovery after brain tumor surgery.
Brain tumors and their types
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in which cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. There are more than 150 different types of brain tumors known, but we can basically divide them into two main groups, primary and metastatic.
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Primary brain tumors are those that originate in the tissues of the brain or in the immediate environment of the brain. They are classified as glial (glial cells) or non-glial, and benign or malignant.
- Metastatic brain tumors are those that first develop in other parts of the body and then migrate to the brain, mostly through the bloodstream. Metastatic tumors are considered cancerous and malignant.
Benign brain tumors are not cancerous, and although they can grow and become larger, they do not normally spread to other parts of the body. However, benign brain tumors may cause symptoms similar to malignant or cancerous brain tumors.
Treatment for a benign brain tumor usually involves having the tumor removed by a neurosurgeon. In malignant tumors, complementary treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy will often be used. But treatment plans are always individual and unique to each patient, depending on their age and the size or location of the tumor, as well as other factors.
Dr. Clavel discusses surgery for a benign brain tumor and the possible side effects.
Brain tumor treatments
Brain tumors, whether primary or metastatic, benign, or malignant, are usually treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, alone or in combination. While it is true that chemotherapy and radiation are frequently used for malignant, residual, or recurrent tumors, decisions about which treatment to use are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on various factors.
- Brain surgery. Removing a brain tumor, partially or completely, is beneficial to the patient. The neurosurgeon faces the challenge of removing as much of a tumor as possible without injuring the brain tissue, so that the patient's neurological capacity is not affected.
- Radiation therapy. High-energy radiation can be used to kill cancerous and abnormal brain cells, and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be an option if the tumor cannot be treated effectively through surgery.
- Chemotherapy. This treatment involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and is generally considered effective for specific pediatric tumors, lymphomas, and some oligodendrogliomas. Chemotherapy is used to complement other treatment in the case of virtually all malignant tumors.
- Experimental therapies. Currently, many new therapies are being studied, especially for tumors that have poor prognosis with existing conventional therapies. These therapies include various forms of immunotherapy, specific toxin therapy, gene therapy, and differentiation therapy.
What to expect during recovery after brain surgery
Some tumors require surgery regardless of whether they are benign or malignant. This is because there are areas of the brain, such as those controlling speech and motor skills, or the cranial nerves, where even the smallest injury can cause serious problems, and the recovery is complex.
At Instituto Clavel, for more than 20 years, we have offered our patients the best and most advanced treatments in neurosurgery. From experience, we know that brain disease and brain surgery are among the health issues that raise the greatest concern in patients. That's why we make sure you understand what recovery will be like after your tumor surgery and when you can expect to return to normal life.
Recovery from the operation will depend on several factors, including the patient’s general health condition prior to the surgery, the type of symptoms the tumor has caused, and the course of treatment.
More about recovery from surgery for a benign brain tumor
Recovery from brain tumor surgery can take some time. You may stay in the hospital anywhere from 3 to 10 days; the length of your stay depends on the type of surgery and your recovery. As soon as it is safe, you will be able to go home.
During this time in the hospital, patients are often given steroids to decrease swelling in the brain and anti seizure medications to prevent seizures. The medication will be adjusted to the patient's symptoms and side effects, so it is important for the patient and their caregivers to alert the medical care team of any concerns. Some of the most common side effects after brain tumor surgery are headache, dizziness, poor balance or lack of coordination, confusion, and speech problems.
After brain surgery, some patients will need rehabilitation to regain the ability to perform certain functions and daily activities. This rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists or other specialists, depending on the needs of each patient. At Instituto Clavel Rehabilitation we have a team of physical therapists and osteopaths who can help the patient in their recovery with a personalized plan.
A day or two after surgery, an MRI or CT scan may be done. The scan will show if any of the tumor remains and how much swelling is in the operated area.
Before patients are discharged from the hospital, they will receive instructions on how to care for the surgical incision, a list of medications to take after discharge, a program of rehabilitation services to follow, a schedule of follow-up appointments, and a list of signs to watch for to know when they should call the doctor.
At Instituto Clavel we are always available to answer any questions after you are discharged from the hospital.
If you want to know more about brain tumor surgery, your procedure, and recovery afterwards, do not hesitate to contact us.
Categories: Brain treatments, Brain pathologies, Surgery