BRAIN TUMOR
Brain tumors are tumors that usually arise from the brain’s own cells (Gliomas). It is also common in tumors originating from the meninges (menengiomas). Tumors formed by the spread of a tumor elsewhere in the brain are called metastases. These three types of tumors are the most common tumors of the brain in adults.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, numbness and weakness on one side, double vision, and impaired consciousness are the most common complaints.
Diagnosis is made by MR, CT and X-rays taken after the examination.
In the treatment of brain tumors, surgery and/or radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and/or drug therapy (chemotherapy options are used together or individually.
The aim in all brain tumors is usually complete removal of the tumor. In some cases, the tumor is completely removed. some of them may be left out as compulsory, in this case alternative treatment methods can be added to the treatment
Alternative treatments:
• Not to have the surgery by taking all kinds of risks
• Radiotherapy
• Drug therapy
• Follow-up with computed tomography and MR
Biopsy
Complications of surgery:
• Anesthesia risk: Local and general anesthesia procedures There are risks during and after the surgery (due to the position given to the patient in the surgery).In addition, there may be harms that may occur due to drugs in all forms of anesthesia and sedation.
• De Balance problems: Balance disorder and/or dizziness may be caused by the tumor itself, as well as by tumor removal surgery. Nausea and/or vomiting may occur after surgery.
• Bleeding: Although rare, there is a risk of severe bleeding during or after my surgery. In case of bleeding, additional treatment or blood transfusion may be needed.
• Blood clot formation: A blood clot can occur after any type of surgery. Clots formed in the surgical area may cause problems such as brain tissue damage by compressing the surrounding brain tissue, blocking blood flow, pain, edema, inflammation or tissue damage.
• Damage to the brain tissue: There is a risk of damage to the surrounding brain tissue during the procedure. Complaints related to these damages may differ according to the location of the tumor.
• Cardiac problems: The surgery has a low risk of causing an irregular heart rhythm or heart attack.
• Failure of the operation: The tumor may not be completely removed by surgery. In addition, the neurological picture and complaints that were present before the operation may not improve after the operation, but may worsen.
• Hydrocephalus: As a result of surgery, there may be disturbances in the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid circulating around the brain. Various additional treatments, including surgery, may be required to correct this situation.
• Infection: It may be in the skin incision area, as well as from the bicomic flap. Risks due to infection include meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and brain abscess (accumulation of inflammatory tissue).
• Vision loss: There may be decreased visual acuity or loss of vision due to tumor or after surgery.
• Weakness: Partial weakness may occur after surgery. It can be temporary or permanent.
• Postoperative pain: Headache due to craniotomy may be seen after the operation, which can last from 1 week to 1 month.
• Post-operative neurological deterioration: Nervous system functions may worsen, albeit less likely, due to problems such as post-operative bleeding into or around the brain, or cerebral edema (pressure on the brain as a result of fluid accumulation).
• Respiratory problems: Respiratory distress or pneumonia, which is usually temporary, may occur after surgery. Pulmonary embolism (occlusion of the vessels of the lungs) may occur.
• Recurrence: There is a risk of recurrence from the old site of the tumor. However, this may vary depending on the type of tumor or the extent to which it can be removed in the first surgery.
• Seizure (convulsion): An abnormal electrical event in the brain may cause seizures/convulsions, and this may be caused by the tumor itself or by changes that occur after removal of the tumor.
