In some cases, a brain tumor might be found during imaging for another condition, or your doctors might suspect a tumor based on symptoms. Once it is determined there is a tumor, the next steps for diagnosis and treatment are the most critical.
Further Testing
If your tumor was identified after a CT scan, you will need a MRI for better visualization of the tumor. Fortunately, specialists have a good idea what type of tumor they are dealing with based on imaging, but it does not mean further testing is not necessary before deciding on a treatment approach. The major concern will be determining whether the tumor is benign or malignant. If it is determined the tumor is malignant, surgery is typically scheduled promptly. There is more leeway in treating benign tumors since their size and location is more important. Your surgeon might determine you need surgery soon, or there may be reasons to delay the procedure.
Preparing For Surgery
Some tumors, such as those that only push on the brain but do not grow into brain tissue, may not require extensive planning for removal, especially if they are not located in sensitive area. Neurosurgeons, like those at Neurosurgical Associates of San Antonio, reference recent imaging tests, since the tumor size can change quickly, and may even do 3D modeling of your tumor to help develop a surgical approach. The goal is to avoid major blood vessels in the brain, which can easily bleed and cause extensive, irreversible brain damage. When tumors are located near major areas of the brain, the surgeon can plan what they will do during surgery to minimize the impact.
Intricate Surgical Approaches
When a tumor is easier to remove, you will be anesthetized and have the tumor removed without additional interaction throughout the operation. Some tumors require the patient to remain awake but anesthetized throughout the surgery, which can help the surgeon avoid parts of the brain responsible for language or motor control, whenever possible. During the procedure, the surgeon may ask you to recite a list of words as they gently touch a specific area with their surgical instruments. If they notice slurring in your words or other problems with language, they can place a marker at this location to help map out your language center. Similarly, your surgeon might ask if you feel numbness, tingling, or other sensations and where you feel them. This intricate manner of removing a tumor keeps complications to a minimum.
Surgical removal of brain tumors can be necessary to slow the progression of cancer or to prevent complications associated with benign tumors. Although surgery can be intimidating, many techniques are available to minimize the chance of damage.
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