Brain Tumour Treatment

How is a Brain Tumour Diagnosed?

A brain tumour is diagnosed by a neurologist, neurosurgeon, or neuro-oncologist through neurological evaluation and imaging studies.

Common diagnostic methods for a brain tumour include:

• Neurological examination

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan

• Functional MRI (fMRI)

• MR spectroscopy

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

• Brain biopsy

• Molecular and genetic testing of tumour tissue

• Blood tests before treatment planning

How is a Brain Tumour Treated Based on Severity?

Recommended brain tumour treatment based on severity is as follows:

Types of Brain Tumours and Their Treatment

Various types of brain tumours and their treatments are as follows:

Other Treatments for Brain Tumour

Some other treatments recommended for brain tumours are as follows:

• Surgery: Removes as much of the tumour as safely possible while preserving brain function.

• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to destroy tumour cells after surgery or when surgery is not possible.

• Chemotherapy: Uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or slow the growth of tumour cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Targets specific genetic or molecular changes present in certain brain tumours.

• Tumour Treating Fields (TTFields): Uses low-intensity electric fields delivered through scalp electrodes to slow the growth of glioblastoma cells in eligible patients.

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife/CyberKnife): Delivers highly focused radiation to treat selected brain tumours without open surgery.

• Proton Beam Therapy: Uses proton radiation to target tumours and reduce radiation exposure to nearby healthy brain tissue.

• Rehabilitation Therapy: Includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychological rehabilitation to improve recovery after treatment.

• Palliative Care: Focuses on relieving symptoms, managing pain, controlling seizures, and improving quality of life during advanced stages of the disease.

Oral Medications for Brain Tumour

Oral medicines help control symptoms and support brain tumour treatment. Common oral medications include:

• Dexamethasone - This steroid is used to reduce swelling and fluid build-up around the tumour

• Levetiracetam - Used to prevent and treat seizures

• Temozolomide - An oral chemotherapy medicine used to treat brain tumour

• Pain relievers - Pain relievers like NSAIDs are used to treat headache or mild to moderate pain

• Antiemetics - Used to manage nausea and vomiting

Note: Oral medicines are usually prescribed alongside surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy rather than as a standalone treatment.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Brain Tumour

There is no scientific proof that Ayurvedic or alternative therapies can cure brain tumours. Still, some supportive therapies might help the patient feel better. Some supportive treatment options for brain tumours are as follows:

• Yoga and breathing exercises

• Meditation

• Nutritional counselling

• Ayurvedic supportive care under qualified practitioners

• Psychological counselling

Alternative therapies should not take the place of standard cancer treatment.

Home Care for Managing Brain Tumour

Patients receiving treatment for a brain tumour can help manage the condition better with certain home care practices. These home care practices are as follows:

• Take medicines as prescribed

• Attend follow-up appointments

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet

• Get enough rest

• Stay as active as recommended

• Avoid driving with uncontrolled seizures

• Get medical help if neurological symptoms worsen

Latest Treatments for Brain Tumour

In India, new developments in brain tumour treatment are helping improve results for some patients. Many major hospitals in India now use molecular profiling to detect genetic changes like IDH mutations, MGMT promoter methylation, and other markers. These tests help doctors tailor treatment plans and predict how certain brain tumours will respond.

Doctors may suggest targeted therapy for patients whose brain tumours have certain genetic mutations. These treatments focus on cancer cells more accurately than standard chemotherapy and are now offered at more specialised cancer centres in India.

Advanced radiation treatments like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, CyberKnife, IMRT, and proton beam therapy are offered at certain cancer centres in India. These methods allow for very precise treatment and help protect healthy brain tissue from radiation.

How Long Does Brain Tumour Treatment Take?

The following table shows the approximate duration for various treatments of brain tumour:

Brain Tumour Treatment Side Effects

Side effects are often likely and should be carefully monitored in case of a brain tumour. Some of these side effects of brain tumour treatment include:

• Tiredness during the treatment process

• Hair loss in treated areas

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headaches

• Seizures

• Memory and concentration problems

• Weakness or balance difficulties

• Increased risk of infections

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Brain Tumour

A few simple steps can help manage the treatment process for a brain tumour more easily. Here are some helpful tips to manage a brain tumour better:

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

• Maintain physical activities as much as possible.

• Attend follow-up MRI sessions.

• Seek emotional support whenever needed.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Keep stress levels under control.

Triggers That Can Worsen Brain Tumour Outcomes

The following factors may worsen symptoms or increase the risk of complications in people with brain tumours:

• Delayed diagnosis

• Missing chemotherapy or radiation sessions

• Skipping prescribed medications

• Smoking

• Poor diet

• Uncontrolled seizures

• Missing follow-up imaging

• Advanced-stage or high-grade tumours generally have a poorer prognosis.

Brain Tumour Treatment Cost

The cost of treating a brain tumour in India depends on the type and stage of the tumour, the treatment method, the city and the hospital. Surgery usually costs between ₹3 lakh to ₹15 lakh. Radiation therapy typically ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh. Chemotherapy costs between ₹25,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per cycle, depending on the medicines used.

Advanced treatments like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, proton beam therapy, or Tumour Treating Fields can make the total cost much higher. Overall, treatment costs can range from ₹3 lakh to ₹25 lakh or more.

Does Health Insurance Cover Brain Tumour Treatment in India?

Yes, a brain tumour is covered by most comprehensive health insurance plans in India. Depending on the terms and conditions of the policy, the plan typically covers surgery, hospital stays, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, intensive care unit (ICU) care, and rehabilitation. The policy determines whether advanced therapies like targeted therapy, proton beam therapy, or tumour-treating fields are covered.

Coverage may vary from one plan to another. Besides, waiting periods may apply before a claim for a brain tumour can be raised. Hence, read the policy documents carefully to know the applicable terms and conditions.

Critical illness insurance plans also cover brain tumours. Such plans pay a lump sum amount on the diagnosis of the condition. However, a critical illness waiting period of up to 90 days and a survival period of up to 30 days may apply.