Brain Cancer Treatment Cost in India
In India, the average cost of brain tumor surgery is around USD 4800 - (INR 354,500). However, prices may vary depending on the hospitals in each city. The cost of surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical technique used, the standard of the chosen hospital, the surgeon's experience, and reputation, and so on. The average hospital stay is 4-6 days, and in India, it is approximately 3 weeks. The treatment plan is finalized following a thorough evaluation of the patients to determine the size, location, and type of tumor.
S.No. |
Brain Cancer/Tumour Treatment |
Cost in ($) |
INR |
1. |
Craniotomy |
USD 4800 |
INR 354,500 |
2. |
Pituitary Tumour Excision Surgery |
USD 6000 |
INR 443,331 |
3. |
Gamma Knife |
USD 6500 |
INR 480,275 |
4. |
Cyberknife |
USD 4200 |
INR 295,554 |
What is Brain Cancer?
Brain cancer is also known as tumors, it is an abnormal growth of brain cells. Malignant tumors can grow and spread rapidly to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are those that do not spread or invade nearby tissue. Benign tumors are less dangerous than malignant tumors, but they can cause problems in the brain by pressing on nearby tissue.Primary brain tumors are those that develop from brain cells. Gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors are the most common primary brain tumors (medulloblastomas). Glioblastomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas are all types of gliomas.
Secondary or metastatic brain tumors spread to the brain from other tumors.A brain tumor's symptoms are usually related to its location rather than its size. When a tumor destroys or compresses normal brain tissue, symptoms develop.Either the tissues surrounding the tumor swell or the tumor disrupts the normal flow of fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer symptoms appear gradually, and the type of symptoms observed are determined by the exact location and size of the tumor in the brain. The following are the symptoms of brain cancer:
- Changes in behavior and emotions
- Speech and judgment impairment
- Smell impairment Lack of recognition
- Diminished mental capacity
- Optical nerve inflammation
- Memory lapses
- one side of the body paralysis
- Seizures
- Disorders of space
- Speaking and swallowing difficulties
- One side of the face has muscle weakness.
- Disjointed gait
- Headache, particularly in the morning
- Hearing impairment
- Vomiting
- Prolonged sleepiness (somnolence)
- Visual impairment
Risk Factor/ Causes of Brain Cancer
Extensive research is being conducted to identify the precise cause of brain tumors. However, the causes of brain tumors are not well understood.
Tumors develop as a result of uncontrolled cellular multiplication. This is the result of a change or mutation in our DNA. This mutation affects genes that control cell division and cause cells to die at the appropriate time, causing cells to grow uncontrollably and result in brain tumors.
Various risk factors can raise your chances of developing a brain tumor. These are some examples:
Radiation
Ionizing radiation from radiation therapy, X-rays, and CT scans can all cause radiation exposure. Power lines, nuclear plants, mobile phones, and cell phone towers can all cause it.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese raises your chances of developing certain types of brain tumors. Although it is uncommon, some types of brain tumors can be inherited genetically. If several members of your family have had brain tumors, your chances of developing one are increased.
Cancers in the Past
People who had cancers as children, such as leukemia, are more likely to develop brain tumors than adults. Adults who have had cancer may also be at risk of developing brain tumors, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.
Age and Race
As you get older, your chances of getting a brain tumor increase. The race also plays a role; Caucasians are more likely than Asians or Africans to develop brain tumors.
Chemical Exposure
Being exposed to certain harmful chemicals in your home or workplace can put you at risk of developing a brain tumor. Carcinogens (substances that cause cancer) include diesel exhaust, coal tar volatiles, tobacco smoke, arsenic compounds, cadmium compounds, nickel compounds, and others.
Stages Of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer has the following stages:
- Stage 1: Tissues are benign. Also, cell growth is very slow.
- Stage 2: Tissues become more cancer-like but have higher proliferation than in grade I.
- Stage 3: Malignant tissues have abnormal cells which actively start multiplying.
- Stage 4: Malignant tissue has the most cells which are abnormal, and it grows rapidly.
Diagnosis Of Brain Cancer
If your doctor suspects you have a brain tumor, she may suggest diagnostic tests to confirm it, such as:
Neurological testing
This will include a physical examination of your hearing, balance, vision, coordination, reflexes, and strength. Difficulties in these areas may indicate that a specific area of your brain is being affected by a brain tumor.
Imaging
To diagnose brain tumors, imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerised Tomography (CT) scan, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan are used.
Biopsy
A small piece of the tumor is removed and examined to determine whether it is benign or malignant.
Analysis of CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless fluid found inside the spinal cord and brain. This fluid is tested to diagnose conditions such as brain tumors.
Skull X-Ray
Brain tumors can cause skull fractures, which an X-Ray can detect. Calcium deposits found inside some brain tumors can also be detected using X-rays.
Angiography
A fluorescent dye is injected into your bloodstream during this procedure. The dye travels to the brain, allowing doctors to see details about the tumor's blood supply. This will be useful during the tumor's surgical removal.
Treatment Options for Brain Cancer
There are several options for treating brain tumors:
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Surgery
The most common treatment for malignant brain tumors is surgery. The surgeon removes as many cancerous cells as possible while preserving healthy brain tissue. Surgery can result in both bleeding and infection. Surgery can also be used to remove benign brain tumors.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
To remove cancerous cells from the brain, neurosurgeons use minimally invasive techniques. This technique shortens your hospital stay, shortens your recovery time, and lowers your mortality rate.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation, such as X-rays or protons beams, is used to kill tumor cells in this type of brain tumor treatment. This can be accomplished through external beam radiation, in which you sit in front of a machine and wear a protective covering, exposing only the tumor area. This therapy can also be delivered through brachytherapy, in which a device is implanted inside your body near the brain tumor and emits radiation to kill the tumor cells. This therapy's side effects include fatigue, memory loss, headaches, and scalp irritation.
Chemotherapy
It involves the injection or oral administration of drugs that target and kill tumor cells. Side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue.
Targeted Drug Therapy
Certain types of brain tumors are treated with drugs that block specific abnormalities present in tumor cells. Cancerous cells die as a result of this.
Radiosurgery
Unlike traditional surgery, this treatment method involves the application of multiple beams of radiation to the brain tumor to kill the tumor cells. Radiation is used to treat brain tumors using various technologies such as linear accelerators and gamma knives.
FAQs
The best brain tumor surgery hospitals in India are highly accredited cutting-edge medical institutions. These hospitals are well-known for treating cancers of all types and stages. The oncology departments of the following hospitals have advanced technology for treating brain cancer:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals
- BLK Super Speciality Hospital
- Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
- SevenHills Hospital
- Artemis Hospital
- Medanta The Medicity
- Aster Medcity
- Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket
- Apollo Hospital Chennai
The side effects of brain surgery will vary depending on the procedure and technique used. It takes time to recover from brain surgery. Some side effects, such as weakness and dizziness, may appear immediately after the procedure, while others, such as speech, balance, and neurological problems, may appear later. The new surgical techniques aim to reduce the side effects of brain surgery. Prior to the operation, the doctor will analyze and discuss all of the risks of the surgical procedure. If the risks of surgery are too great for a patient, radiosurgery techniques such as GammaKnife and CyberKnife may be considered.
Yes, one can recover completely from a brain tumour if it is detected early and treated appropriately. It takes a few weeks to regain normal functioning and get back to routine activities.
It totally depends upon the stage of tumour treatment and condition of the patient. Usually, it takes 3-7 days for a patient to get discharged.