Brain Tumour Simple

Simple Brain Tumour Surgery is performed for resectable, well-circumscribed intracranial tumours located in accessible cortical or subcortical locations without significant proximity to eloquent brain areas, major vessels, or critical neural structures. Through a precisely planned craniotomy, the neurosurgeon uses the operating microscope, neuronavigation, and intraoperative monitoring to identify the tumour and achieve the most complete safe resection possible while protecting all surrounding functional brain tissue. Maximal safe resection is the primary goal — providing pathological diagnosis, immediate symptom relief, and the best possible long-term oncological outcome.

Types of Simple Brain Tumour Surgery

The specific surgical approach is determined by the tumour type, size, and location, with the goal always being the safest and most complete resection achievable.

• Craniotomy and Gross Total Resection (complete tumour removal — for well-circumscribed accessible tumours)
• Craniotomy and Near-Total Resection (maximum safe resection near eloquent cortex)
• Skull Base Craniotomy (for meningiomas and tumours at the skull base)
• Awake Craniotomy (for tumours near speech or motor cortex — patient communicates during resection)
• Endoscopic Tumour Resection (for intraventricular tumours amenable to endoscopic approach)

Risk Factors for Intracranial Tumours

While many brain tumours occur without clear risk factors, several conditions are associated with increased risk of intracranial neoplasia.

• Prior therapeutic cranial irradiation increasing meningioma and glioma risk
• Hereditary syndromes including NF1, NF2, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Immunosuppression from HIV, transplant, or chemotherapy for CNS lymphoma
• Family history of brain tumours suggesting hereditary predisposition
• Exposure to ionising radiation — the only confirmed environmental risk factor for glioma
• Specific genetic mutations increasing susceptibility to particular brain tumour types

Brain Tumour Symptoms

Brain tumours produce symptoms depending on their location, size, and growth rate. Recognising these symptoms and seeking prompt neurological evaluation allows the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment.

• Progressive headache — often worse in the morning and associated with nausea and vomiting
• New-onset epileptic seizures in a previously seizure-free adult
• Progressive focal neurological deficit — weakness, speech difficulty, or sensory loss
• Cognitive change, personality alteration, or memory problems
• Visual disturbance — blurred vision, double vision, or visual field loss
• Balance and coordination difficulty or unsteady gait
• Raised intracranial pressure with papilloedema detected on fundoscopy
• Incidental finding on MRI or CT performed for another clinical reason