New Technologies Help in Brain Tumour Treatment

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 9 June 2018
Image: A woman holding her head in the background and a doctor looking at a brain scan showing brain tumour

Nearly 50% of brain tumours detected are cancerous. While advances in immunological and genetic testing will make early detection possible, your biggest wall of armour will be leading a healthy life, emphasizes Dr. Mohinish Bhatjiwale, consultant neurosurgeon at Nanavati Hospital.

What are the most common symptoms of brain tumour?

The most common symptoms of brain tumour is headache, unremitting headache associated with vomiting and blurred vision, weakness of any one side.

What percentage of brain tumour is cancerous?

In the last 25 years of my practice, we have seen nearly 50% brain tumours being malignant. We have seen an increase in this number in the last few years.

What is glioblastoma?

This is the most malignant form of brain tumour. It has high grade of malignancy. Life expectancy is very less. Most of the patients are shocked to know that they such a large tumour at presentation itself. Symptoms can be rapid in progression.

What factors affect the chances for survival for patients after a malignant brain tumour?

The survival of the patient depends on the totality of surgical excision of the tumour and the grade of malignancy.

Is it common for a brain tumour to recur? How often is it important to schedule follow-up visits?

The tumour can occur depending on the totality of the surgical excision. It depends on whether the tumour is malignant or not. The follow should be done after at least 3 months after surgery.

What are the latest tests and treatments for this type of cancer?

The latest tests include both immunological and genetic advances. These tests help in early detection. Use of cyberknife for smaller tumours is also the latest technology.

Who is most at risk for brain tumour?

Since there are no definite causative factors, as a whole it can occur in anybody. However, certain types of benign tumors like neurofibromatosis are familial.

Can brain tumour impact cognitive abilities and result in memory problems?

Of course since it is located in left dominant hemisphere.

On World Brain Tumour Day, could you share a few tips to prevent brain cancer?

  1. Healthy lifestyle
  2. Stay close to nature
  3. Genetic testing in the future
  4. Avoid being around the sources of radiation

Dr. Mohinish Bhatjiwale, consultant neurosurgeon at Nanavati Hospital.

Changed
08/Jun/2019
Community
Cancer
Condition
Cancer

Stories

  • A selfie pic of a young woman in a black and red checked shirt and a camera bag strap visible around her neck
    "I Am Hopeful Of A Cure For This Rare Tumor"
    Rima Roy is a young woman of 22 and suffers from a rare condition of Giant Cell Tumors in the Sacram. She shares the emotional toll the diagnosis took on her and how she has come to terms with this rare condition. Describe yourself, Rima I am a warrior in the battlefield of rare disease since I was 19 When were you diagnosed? 19/04/2016. X-ray of the Lumbo- Sacral Spines AP/ LAT views revealed Transitional vertibrae: D12 having rudimentary ribs & L5 sacralized. Then on 14/03/2018 the…
  • Profile pic of a middle aged man in a partially visible grey and white striped shirt
    Faith And Support Are Important When A Family Member Is Affected By Cancer
    Dipanwita Mukherjee was a small girl when her father Bibhuti Bhusan Chakraverty was diagnosed with throat cancer. This is his story, how he overcame his condition and also how he reached out to many others to alleviate their pain. A recent Bengali film, Kontho, based on Mr Chakraverty’s life and struggles has also brought the story back in focus. When was your father diagnosed with throat cancer? My father, late Bibhuti Bhusan Chakraverty was detected with throat cancer in the year 1972. He was…
  • A doctor holding hand of a patient
    The Importance Of The Doctor-Patient Relationship
    The patient-doctor relationship is crucial for better outcomes for patients. Find out what some of our patient contributors have to say about their relationship with their doctors.     Usha Jerome, on the factors of her win over Colorectal Cancer  Two things are important. Firstly, the doctors should not hide the truth and must explain the exact stage of cancer and the way forward. Secondly, we must believe in and trust our doctors. My team of doctors and nurses were…
  • Webinar: Living Better After Cancer - Young Adults Adapting To A New Reality
    An insightful panel discussion with two cancer winners and a Psycho Oncologist who talk about the various aspects of cancer survivorship especially among young adults.   The latest in our ‘Living Better’ series of Live Q&A sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and…
  • Helping Children Cope with Cancer
    The integration of psycho-oncology into cancer care has significantly helped alleviate emotional and psychological distress for both patients and caregivers. Savita Goswami, psycho-oncologist at Tata Memorial Hospital, discusses some of the psychotherapeutic intervention techniques used in paediatric cancer care. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on psychosocial interventions in paediatric oncology care. What does it really entail? In the last two decades, great work has…
  • A young woman Shweta Chawre in a black sweater and jeans looking back at the camera as she walks away
    Love, Courage And Drawing Cartoons Helped Me Cope With Childhood Cancer!
    Shweta Chawre, animator and graphic designer, who was diagnosed with stage 2 osteosarcoma, an aggressive type of bone cancer, as a teenager, looks back over her life and celebrates her decade of survivorship with gratitude and optimism. It was the summer of 2008. I was 15 years old and had just completed my SSC board examinations. One day I developed a routine knee pain, nothing that signified a major health trouble. The pain was in my right knee. I was active in sports so we reckoned that the…
  • An image of a young person with buzz hair and the title Living Better After Cancer - Adapting to a new Reality with cancer survivors Gauri and Pranay and Oncopsychologist Aneri Shah
    Webinar: Living Better After Cancer - For Young Adults Dealing with Cancer
    Living Better After Cancer - Adapting to a new Reality. This webinar, part of our ‘Living Better’ series on lived experiences of cancer survivorship sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and interesting conversation with Psycho Oncologist Aneri Shah and Cancer survivors…
  • Supplement capsules in a spoon in sharp focus against soft focus of vegetables and fruits
    Can I Take Supplements During Cancer Treatment?
    Cancer patients often self medicate with vitamins and mineral supplements and other dietary supplements during the course of cancer treatment. Dr. Shital Raval examines the commonly suggested supplements and herbs and the associated risks. During cancer treatment, eating right is extremely important in order to sustain the side-effects of cancer drugs as well as combat weight loss. Many patients find it difficult to eat, possibly due to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. or eat a well-…
  • How To Be An Empowered Cancer Patient?
    An informed and engaged cancer patient has better clinical outcomes and fewer side effects. Knowing the trajectory of the illness also helps the patient and their family plan for the treatment and other care related aspects. Dr. Shital Raval shares an exhaustive set of questions that you may need to ask your cancer specialist.   A Cancer diagnosis can be quite alarming but by taking an active role in planning treatment and care, it can help alleviate the unwelcome stress and anxiety.…
  • Image: Fingers pointing at a Bone Scan Image
    When To Get A Bone Scan?
    What is a Bone Scan? What do the results of the scan indicate? When do you need a Bone Scan? How often should you get a Bone Scan? We give you information that will help you discuss your options with your doctor. What is a Bone Scan  A Bone scan is done to check the bone mineral density (BMD) so as to assess strength of the bones and probability of any fractures. The scan helps identify any mild (osteopenia) or serious bone loss (osteoporosis). The most common bone density test is the DEXA…