Brain Tumour Treatment in Kolkata
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Quick Answers
Is a brain tumour always cancerous?
No, tumours may be benign or malignant, with varying effects on surrounding tissue.
Can a brain tumour be treated?
Yes, options include surgery, radiotherapy, medicines, surveillance, or supportive care.
Can a brain tumour occur at any age?
Yes, they can affect both children and adults, with varying types.
How long does brain tumour treatment take?
Duration varies according to tumour type, location, grade, response, and treatment approach.
What Is a Brain Tumour?
An abnormal mass or growth of cells inside or around the brain, including the brain tissue, nerves, or protective linings.
Key points:
- 70%–74% of primary brain tumours are non-cancerous
- Meningioma is the most common primary type
- Secondary tumours occur 5x more often
- Phones, microwaves, sweeteners do not cause tumours
Types of Brain Tumour
Gliomas
Tumours arising from supportive glial cells, including several distinct subtypes.
Astrocytomas
Develop from star-shaped astrocytes and range from low-grade to aggressive.
Glioblastoma
A fast-growing, highly aggressive Grade IV astrocytic tumour.
Oligodendrogliomas
Develop from myelin-producing cells and are typically slower-growing.
Ependymomas
Arise from the lining of brain ventricles or spinal cord.
Meningiomas
Begin in protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, usually benign.
Pituitary Tumours
Develop in or around the hormone-controlling pituitary gland and are typically non-cancerous.
Schwannomas
Usually benign growths affecting the nerve connecting the inner ear and brain.
Medulloblastomas
Fast-growing malignant embryonal tumours arising in the cerebellum, mainly affecting children.
Symptoms Of Brain Tumour
Common Motor Symptoms
- Morning or nighttime headaches, coughing
- Convulsions or unexplained staring spells
- Blurred, double vision, ringing ears
- Dizziness, walking, coordination problems
- Confusion, memory, concentration problems
- Slurred speech, language comprehension problems
- One-sided body or facial weakness/numbness
- Morning nausea or unexplained vomiting
- Sudden mood or behavioural changes
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Care
- First-time adult seizure
- Sudden severe or changing headache
- Rapid-onset one-sided weakness/paralysis
- Sudden vision loss or field cuts
- Profound confusion, lethargy, unconsciousness
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Our skilled surgeons offer precision care for a wide range of surgical procedures.
Critical Care Support
Providing round-the-clock critical care with advanced equipment and expert medical teams.
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Individuals at Higher Risk for Brain Tumour
| Groups | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Older adults | Over 80% of brain tumours occur in people aged 40+, with risk rising with age. |
| Radiation exposure | Head exposure to ionising radiation increases the risk of brain tumours. |
| Inherited genetic syndromes | NF1/NF2, tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni, and von Hippel-Lindau syndromes increase susceptibility. |
| Family history | About 5%–10% of cases involve a family history or inherited faulty genes. |
| Immunocompromised individuals | Weakened immunity increases the risk of primary CNS lymphoma. |
| With previous cancer | Some cancers can spread to the brain, causing secondary tumours. |
| Children | Certain brain tumour types are more common during childhood. |
Brain Tumour Patterns, Diagnosis & Treatment Approach
| Pattern | Condition | Diagnosis | Intervention | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slow-growing / well-circumscribed | Benign or low-grade tumour | MRI, neurological assessment | Resection, radiosurgery, surveillance | High cure rates, prolonged control |
| Infiltrative / poorly circumscribed | Malignant primary tumour | MRI, fMRI/PET | Safe resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy | Symptom control, neurological support |
| Extra-axial (outside brain) | Meningioma | MRI, neuro-ophthalmic assessment | Resection, radiosurgery, surveillance | Excellent control, high curative potential |
| Hormonal or visual symptoms | Pituitary tumour/adenoma | MRI, endocrine/visual testing | Transsphenoidal surgery, medical therapy | Hormonal, visual improvement |
| Multiple secondary lesions | Metastatic tumour | MRI, CT/PET | Resection, SRS, whole-brain radiotherapy | Disease control, symptom relief, quality of life |
How Is a Brain Tumour Evaluated?
Brain MRI
Contrast-enhanced brain imaging when indicated
Head CT scan
Functional MRI (fMRI)
PET scan
Brain tumour biopsy
Histopathological examination
Tumour grading
Molecular testing
Genetic marker testing
What Treatments are Available for Brain Tumour?
Craniotomy
Neuroendoscopy
Awake Surgery
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Drug Therapy
Symptomatic Management
Brain Tumour Treatment: What to Expect?
Before
- Neurological examination
- Blood tests
- Brain MRI or CT scan
- Medication adjustments
- Steroids for brain swelling
- Anti-seizure medication
- Surgical and anaesthesia planning
During
- General anaesthesia or awake craniotomy
- Craniotomy or minimally invasive tumour removal
- Maximum safe tumour resection
- Continuous vital-sign monitoring
- Intraoperative brain-function monitoring
After
- ICU or step-down neurological monitoring
- Incisional pain management
- Brain swelling management
- Headache and fatigue management
- Physical, occupational or speech rehabilitation
- Follow-up MRI scans
- Recurrence monitoring
Benefits of Brain Tumour Treatment
- Controls tumour growth
- Relieves pressure on surrounding brain tissue
- Reduces tumour-related symptoms
- Helps manage seizures
- Protects neurological function where possible
- Supports mobility and independence
- Provides accurate tumour diagnosis
- Improves disease and symptom management
Brain Tumour Treatment Success in India
| Procedure | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Brain tumour surgery | 80–90% success for benign tumours |
| Oligodendroglioma | 69–90% survival |
| Astrocytoma | 26–73%, grade-dependent |
| Medulloblastoma | >80% 5-year survival |
| Glioblastoma | 6–22% survival; 15–18 months median survival |
Recovery After Brain Tumour Treatment
First 24–48 hours: Neurological monitoring and pain control
Days 1–7: Gradual mobilisation and symptom management
Weeks 2–6: Rehabilitation and activity progression
Months 1–3: Gradual return to daily activities
Months 2–6: Imaging, specialist review and treatment planning
Complications If Brain Tumour Is Left Untreated
- Worsening headaches and pressure-related symptoms
- Seizures and neurological problems
- Weakness and movement difficulties
- Speech and vision difficulties
- Memory and cognitive changes
- Balance and coordination problems
- Increasing dependence on caregivers
- Progressive neurological deterioration
Post-Treatment Daily Management & Prevention Tips
Management
- Rebuild strength, coordination, and communication.
- Balance activity with planned rest.
- Track headaches, mood, sleep, and memory.
- Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use calendars and written notes.
- Practise memory games for challenges.
- Share symptom changes with doctors.
- Support recovery through healthy nutrition.
Prevention
- Attend scheduled neurological examinations.
- Complete scheduled brain imaging sessions.
- Monitor for signs of tumour return.
- Consult the oncology team before making changes.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- Minimise high-stress environments.
- Avoid contact sports until cleared.
- Avoid heavy physical strain initially.
- Choose gentle walking or yoga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all headaches mean you have a brain tumour?
No. Most headaches result from stress, migraines, or unrelated conditions. Persistent, worsening, or unusual pain may require medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.
Are Brain tumours hereditary?
No. Most cases have no direct connection with family history or inherited genetic traits. A family history alone does not mean someone will necessarily develop one.
Are brain tumours contagious?
No. These growths cannot be passed between people through physical contact or other forms of interaction. Spending time with someone affected does not create transmission risk.
Do all brain tumours cause the same symptoms?
No. Signs vary considerably based on the growth’s size, rate of development, and location. Different areas control different functions, producing varied effects.
Do brain tumours always start in the brain?
No. Some begin within brain tissue, while others develop elsewhere and later spread to this area. These are classified as primary and secondary growths.

