Brain Tumours

A brain tumour, like any other kind of tumour, is an abnormal growth of cells. Intracranial tumours can develop in the brain itself, in the cranial nerves, in the brain envelopes, skull, or in the pituitary and pineal gland. Depending on the location of the tumour, tumours can affect the functioning of the brain, and thus surgery plays a key role in treatment. When a brain tumour is cancerous, you may have various doctors and specialists in your medical team, working together towards a treatment plan. While a brain tumour can develop on its own, majority of brain tumours are secondary tumours and have spread (metastasised) from other tumours in the body such as the breast, colon, kidney, lung or skin.

When are brain tumours resected?

Brain tumours, whether cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), may need to be removed if they affect the functioning of the brain. Brain tumours are typically removed, but there are various factors that need to be considered, including:

  • Whether or not the tumour is cancerous – if so whether or not cancer has spread to other organs
  • Whether or not the tumour is putting pressure on vital parts of the brain or effecting cognitive functioning and the nervous system

Considering all these factors, Dr Maharaj will discuss the approach that needs to be taken to treatment and whether or not treatment may involve chemotherapy and radiation therapy in addition to surgery. As a neurosurgeon, Dr Maharaj is exceptionally adept in the resection of various brain tumours. With his expertise, you are in good hands.

How are brain tumours resected?

Surgery may involve a craniotomy or minimally invasive, keyhole brain surgery in suitable cases. During surgery, Dr Maharaj will remove as much of the tumour as possible without damaging the delicate structures in the brain that are needed for neurological functioning. To do this, intraoperative brain monitoring and neuronavigation (brain mapping tools) may be used while Dr Maharaj resects the tumour. Depending on your unique case, radiation and chemotherapy may be needed after brain surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells that could not be resected.

  • Wilder Penfield

    The brain is an organ of density. It holds within its humming mechanism secrets that will determine the future of the human race.

    Wilder Penfield
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