Cancer treatment
Brain Tumour Removal
Brain tumour removal takes out as much of a tumour as safely possible to relieve symptoms and treat the tumour.
Quick answer
Brain Tumour Removal: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Brain tumour surgery removes part or all of a tumour in the brain, usually through a craniotomy. It also provides tissue to diagnose the type of tumour, guiding any further treatment.
- Why it is done: It is used to treat brain tumours (cancerous or non-cancerous), relieve pressure and symptoms such as headaches or seizures, and obtain a diagnosis.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, or sometimes awake for tumours near critical areas, the surgeon removes as much tumour as is safe, often using image guidance and monitoring to protect important brain functions.
What it is
Brain tumour surgery removes part or all of a tumour in the brain, usually through a craniotomy. It also provides tissue to diagnose the type of tumour, guiding any further treatment.
Why it is done
It is used to treat brain tumours (cancerous or non-cancerous), relieve pressure and symptoms such as headaches or seizures, and obtain a diagnosis. Some tumours can be fully removed, others only partly.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, or sometimes awake for tumours near critical areas, the surgeon removes as much tumour as is safe, often using image guidance and monitoring to protect important brain functions.
Recovery
Care in a specialist ward, sometimes intensive care, is followed by recovery over weeks, occasionally with rehabilitation. Further treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy may follow depending on the tumour.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, seizures and effects on brain functions. Not all tumours can be completely removed, especially if they are near or within vital areas.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Brain Tumour Removal: frequently asked questions
Can the whole tumour always be removed?
Not always. Some tumours can be fully removed, but others sit near or within critical areas, so the surgeon removes as much as is safe and other treatments may follow.
What happens after surgery?
The tumour tissue is examined to confirm its type, which guides any further treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Recovery and follow-up are planned by a specialist team.
Related
Other cancer treatment
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Society of British Neurological Surgeons / relevant professional body
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