Overview

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding structures. It may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Brain tumours can affect essential functions such as movement, speech, memory, vision, and coordination depending on their size and location.

At I D Cancer Center, we provide advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatment, and precision radiotherapy using IMRT/IGRT/VMAT/SRS techniques to ensure safe, effective, and personalized neuro-oncology care.

Types of Brain Tumours

1. Primary Brain Tumours

Originating in the brain:

• Gliomas (astrocytoma, glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma)

• Meningiomas

• Pituitary tumours

• Medulloblastoma

• Schwannomas (acoustic neuroma)

• Craniopharyngioma

• Ependymoma

2. Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumours

Spread from cancers of:

• Lung

• Breast

• Melanoma

• Kidney

• Colon

These are more common than primary brain tumours.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on tumour size and location:

Neurological Symptoms

• Persistent headache

• Seizures

• Weakness in limbs

• Difficulty walking or balancing

• Numbness or tingling

Vision & Speech Problems

• Blurred or double vision

• Difficulty speaking or understanding words

Cognitive & Behavioural Changes

• Memory loss

• Confusion

• Personality changes

• Difficulty concentrating

General Symptoms

• Nausea or vomiting (especially in the morning)

• Fatigue

• Drowsiness

Immediate evaluation is needed for sudden or worsening symptoms.

Risk Factors

Though many cases occur without clear cause, risk increases with:

• Previous high-dose radiation exposure

• Family history of brain tumours

• Certain genetic conditions (e.g., NF1, Li-Fraumeni syndrome)

• Exposure to certain chemicals (rare)

Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

We use advanced neuro-diagnostic tools for accurate evaluation:

1. MRI Brain (with contrast)

Gold standard to evaluate tumour size, location, and spread.

2. CT Scan Brain

Useful when MRI is not possible.

3. PET-CT

Helps differentiate tumour recurrence from treatment changes.

4. Biopsy

• Stereotactic biopsy

• Surgical biopsy
  Confirms tumour type and guides treatment.

5. Neurological & Hormonal Evaluation

Especially important in pituitary and skull base tumours.

All cases undergo multidisciplinary tumour board review to create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

1. Surgery

Performed when feasible for:

• Removing tumour

• Reducing pressure

• Obtaining biopsy

Performed in collaboration with experienced neurosurgeons.

2. Precision Radiotherapy

Used when:

• Tumour is inoperable

• Residual tumour remains after surgery

• Tumour is radiosensitive

• Palliation is required

Advanced techniques available at I D Cancer Center:

• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

• IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)

• VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy)

• SRS/SRT (Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy)

3. Chemotherapy

Used for specific brain tumours such as:

• Gliomas

• Medulloblastoma

• Primary CNS lymphoma

Common drugs: Temozolomide, PCV regimen, high-dose methotrexate.

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Options based on genetic and molecular markers:

• EGFR inhibitors

• BRAF inhibitors

• Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF)
  Improves outcomes in selected cases.

5. Hormonal Therapy

Used for pituitary tumours (e.g., prolactinoma).

6. Supportive & Palliative Care

• Steroids to reduce swelling

• Anti-seizure medications

• Pain management

• Physiotherapy

• Neuro-rehabilitation

• Psychological support

Our focus is improved quality of life and maximum functional recovery.

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on:

• Tumour type and grade

• Size and location

• Age and overall health

• Response to treatment

Advances in radiotherapy, neurosurgery, and targeted therapy have significantly improved outcomes.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

• Expert Radiation Oncologist – Dr. Sunil Kumar

• SRS/SRT, IMRT, IGRT & VMAT-based precision brain radiotherapy

• MRI-based treatment planning

• Multidisciplinary neuro-oncology approach

• Patient-centric, compassionate care

• Long-term survivorship and rehabilitation support