Brain Tumor Surgery and Treatment Process

Brain Tumor Surgery | Brain Tumor Operation and Treatment Process

Brain tumor surgery is an advanced treatment method applied to completely remove, or reduce the size of, benign or malignant masses that develop in brain tissue or the membranes surrounding the brain through surgical methods.

Brain tumors are space-occupying lesions that develop within the intracranial space due to different etiological (causal) factors. Among primary brain tumors, types such as glioma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and acoustic neurinoma are encountered most frequently. The most common brain tumors in adults are tumors that spread to the brain from another organ in the body, that is, tumors that metastasize.

The surgical treatment of brain tumors is performed by neurosurgery (brain and nerve surgery) specialists who have specific expertise in this field. The main goal of this surgical intervention is to excise (remove) the tumor tissue at the safest possible margin and to the maximum extent without damaging the patient's existing neurological functions (by preserving the cranial nerves and functional tissues). In treatment planning, oncological treatments such as radiotherapy (radiation therapy) or chemotherapy (drug therapy) may also be included in the process after surgery, depending on the stage and pathological type of the tumor.

At Daviva Health Group, Brain Tumor Surgery is meticulously performed using experienced specialist physicians and advanced surgical technologies such as modern neuronavigation and neuromonitoring, with the patient's neurological functions preserved at the maximum level.

For detailed information about the safe removal of the tumor with brain tumor surgery, the personalized treatment process, the postoperative rehabilitation period, and the vital importance of early diagnosis, you can contact us.

What Is a Brain Tumor? | Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is a general medical term that includes all formations that develop uncontrollably within the cranial cavity (intracranial space), both benign and malignant. In the literature, these structures are referred to as "intracranial tumors."

Benign Brain Tumors

Benign brain tumors are masses that generally tend to grow slowly and do not show aggressive infiltration into surrounding tissues. However, because the skull is a closed box, as these tumors grow they can put pressure on vital brain tissues and lead to various neurological symptoms (such as headache, seizures, or vision and speech problems). Although they usually do not directly threaten life, early diagnosis and regular radiological follow-up (such as MRI) are critically important to prevent functional loss.

Common benign brain tumors:

Meningioma: One of the most common benign tumor types, originating from the meninges.
Schwannoma (Acoustic Neurinoma): Tumors that develop especially from the sheaths of cranial nerves responsible for hearing and balance.
Pilocytic Astrocytoma: Masses usually seen in childhood and adolescence, low-grade (stage I), with a very good clinical course (prognosis).

Malignant Brain Tumors

Malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, are masses that grow more rapidly in terms of cell structure and follow an aggressive course by infiltrating surrounding brain tissue. Depending on the cell type, stage, and location, these tumors may spread to different regions within the brain. In the management of malignant masses, making an early diagnosis without delay and adopting a multidisciplinary (comprehensive approach involving neurosurgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology) treatment approach are of vital importance.

Common malignant brain tumors:

Glioblastoma (GBM): The most aggressive primary brain tumor, most commonly seen in adults, with a rapid progression feature.
Medulloblastoma: A malignant tumor type that is usually seen in childhood and commonly occurs in the cerebellar (posterior fossa) region, with a high potential for rapid growth.

Brain Tumors by Origin: Primary and Secondary Tumors

Brain tumors are also divided into two main groups according to where the cells first arise (their origin):

Primary Tumors: Tumors that develop directly from brain tissue, the meninges, or cranial nerves.
Secondary (Secondary / Metastatic) Tumors: Masses that occur as a result of cancer cells starting in another part of the body (such as lung, breast, colon, or skin cancer) metastasizing (spreading) to the brain through the bloodstream.

Due to the anatomical and complex structure of the brain, brain tumor surgeries require extremely high expertise, precision, and technological infrastructure. These operations should be planned and performed by a neurosurgery (brain and nerve surgery) specialist with extensive experience in this field.

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor? Early Symptoms and Warning Signs

The symptoms of a brain tumor may vary from person to person depending on the size of the tumor, the area where it is located, and the pressure it exerts on brain tissue. One of the most common early symptoms is headache. These headaches, which are especially worse at night and become more pronounced in the morning, may be caused by increased intracranial pressure. Nausea and vomiting often accompany this type of headache. As the tumor grows, the severity and frequency of the symptoms increase. Different neurological (related to the nervous system) findings may appear depending on the affected area of the brain. The most common brain tumor symptoms are as follows:

Weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis in the arms and legs
Speech and comprehension disorders
Vision problems (double vision, blurred vision, or loss of visual field)
Loss of balance and coordination
Epileptic (seizure) attacks

In the later stages of the disease, confusion, personality changes, and behavioral differences may also be observed. In addition, some symptoms provide important clues about exactly which part of the brain the tumor is located in. For example, weakness that develops on only one side of the body may indicate the presence of a tumor in the opposite hemisphere of the brain.

It should not be forgotten that; for early diagnosis and proper treatment planning, it is vital to take these symptoms seriously and consult a specialist (Neurology or Brain and Nerve Surgery) without delay.

Why Is Brain Tumor Surgery Performed? Its Goals and Methods

Brain tumor surgery is performed to remove tumor tissue as safely as possible without harming the surrounding area, relieve pressure on the brain, and preserve the patient's vital neurological functions. During surgery, microscopic techniques, neuronavigation (guiding computer systems), and advanced imaging methods such as CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are used together to minimize the margin of error and ensure high precision.

The main goal of surgery is to completely eliminate the tumor. However, if the tumor is located in critical centers of the brain such as speech, vision, or movement, preserving these vital functions takes priority. Therefore, it is not always possible to remove the entire tumor. In such cases, obtaining a tissue sample through a biopsy method is preferred both to avoid putting the patient at risk and to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Especially when there is suspicion of multiple brain metastases that have spread to the brain from another part of the body, biopsy usually comes to the forefront in order to reach a clear diagnosis. The treatment plan is determined individually based entirely on the tumor's location, number, and the patient's overall health status.

How Is Brain Tumor Surgery Performed? Modern Surgical Techniques and Methods

Brain tumor surgeries are performed using advanced medical technologies and modern methods that require high precision. The main aim is to remove the tumor tissue as safely as possible without harming the surrounding area while preserving healthy brain tissue to the maximum extent. Thanks to the advanced techniques used in the field of neurosurgery (brain and nerve surgery) today, surgical success rates are increasing and postoperative risks (complications) are significantly decreasing.

Microsurgery (Microscopic Brain Surgery)

Microsurgery is a method performed under special surgical microscopes. With this technique, brain tissue can be magnified 20 to 40 times and viewed, and even capillary structures smaller than a millimeter can be examined in detail. Thanks to high resolution, strong illumination, and depth perception, the surgeon can distinguish healthy tissue from tumor tissue much more clearly.

Intraoperative MRI (MRI Imaging During Surgery)

Intraoperative MRI (ioMRI) is an advanced technology that enables real-time imaging during surgery. With this method, the surgeon can immediately check whether the tumor has been completely removed before finishing the operation. In addition, bleeding that may occur during surgery or changes in healthy brain tissue can be detected instantly, allowing intervention. It is a highly safe method used in advanced equipped centers.

Neuronavigation (Surgical Guidance System)

Neuronavigation works much like the GPS (navigation) systems in vehicles. By combining the CT and MRI images taken before surgery in a computer environment, a three-dimensional brain map of the patient is created. This system allows the surgeon to see exactly where they are in the brain during surgery with millimetric precision and prevents damage to critical brain regions.

Endoscopic Brain Surgery (Minimally Invasive Methods)

Endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method performed using very small incisions or natural openings (for example, inside the nose) instead of large cuts, causing the least possible tissue damage. Thanks to thin endoscopes with a camera and light source at the tip, the deepest regions of the brain, ventricles (fluid-filled chambers within the brain), and cysts can be visualized in high resolution. It is preferred in selected suitable cases to minimize tissue damage.

Awake Brain Surgery (Awake Surgery)

Awake brain surgery is a special technique in which the patient remains conscious and awake during certain stages of the operation. This method is especially preferred for tumors in critical brain areas that control vital functions such as speech, movement, and vision. During surgery, the surgeon talks with the patient or asks them to perform simple movements to instantly test whether critical centers are being damaged. In this way, risks such as paralysis or loss of speech are minimized.

Recovery After Brain Tumor Surgery: Things to Consider After the Operation

The recovery process after brain tumor surgery may vary from person to person depending on the patient's overall health, the part of the brain where the tumor is located, and the extent of the surgical procedure performed. After surgery, temporary short-term headache, sensitivity at the surgical site, and edema (swelling) are normal. These conditions are usually temporary and can be easily controlled with appropriate medication.

During the recovery period, undesirable conditions (complications) such as infection may rarely develop; in such a case, antibiotic treatment is used. After surgery, the skin sutures usually heal within a week, while the shaved hair grows back within a few weeks and largely covers the scar.

Depending on the tumor, the complaints experienced before surgery decrease over time or disappear completely in most patients. However, in some cases neurological (neural system-related) symptoms may partially persist. This process also varies according to individual factors.

Although brain surgeries are now performed quite safely with modern methods, they still rarely carry the risk of leaving permanent effects. For this reason, patients and their relatives are informed in detail about the possible risks before surgery. The necessary treatment and follow-up process is planned meticulously to minimize side effects that may develop after surgery.

Importance of Early Diagnosis in Brain Tumor Surgery: Survival and Treatment Success

Brain tumors are sensitive diseases that can cause serious neurological problems depending on the area in which they are located. Due to the complex structure of the brain, even a very small tumor can cause significant loss of function. Therefore, early diagnosis in brain tumors is of critical importance in terms of treatment success, recovery speed, and life expectancy.

Thanks to early diagnosis, the tumor is detected while it is still small; thus, much more effective results are obtained from surgical intervention, radiotherapy (radiation therapy), and other treatment methods. In addition, the risk of permanent damage to brain tissue is reduced and the patient's quality of life is preserved. In brain tumors treated in time, both postoperative risks can be reduced and the rates of disease control and survival can be significantly increased.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Tumor Surgery

Is brain tumor surgery risky?

As with any surgical procedure, there may be some risks in brain tumor surgeries as well. However, thanks to advanced surgical techniques and experienced surgeons, these risks are significantly reduced.

How long does brain tumor surgery take?

Although the duration of the surgery varies depending on the size and location of the tumor, it usually takes between 2 and 6 hours.

Can a brain tumor recur after surgery?

There may be a risk of recurrence in some tumor types. Therefore, regular follow-ups and necessary additional treatments after surgery are of great importance.

How long does it take to return to normal life after brain tumor surgery?

Most patients can return to their daily activities within a few weeks. However, the full recovery period may vary depending on the patient's condition.