A brain tumor, can occur with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, vision and speech disorders, arm and leg weakness Thanks to advanced technology and neuroradiological imaging systems,  inaccessibility of the brain and the spinal cord has been overcome and currently all types of interventions have become safely applicable. High-tech methods used during tumor excision ensure that the patient maintains a healthy and quality life by protecting intact brain tissue.

Severe headache, visual impairment and speech disorders may indicate a brain tumor

Brain tumors can develop from the brain's own cells as well as from other regions. Brain tumors can be seen at any time from newborn to older age groups. However, the type of tumor differs according to age ranges. During the childhood and over the age of 60, malignant brain tumors can be observed more frequently.Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, epileptic seizures, weakness in the arms and legs, visual impairment and speech disturbances, dizziness, hearing loss and rapidly developing psychological imbalances can indicate a brain tumor.

Diagnostic Gold standard MRI

The most reliable method for diagnosing brain tumors is MRI. MRI, although providing an idea about the type of the brain tumor, the true categorisation of the tumor is possible via examination of a specimen obtained from the tumor in a pathology laboratory. Treatment of brain tumors is usually done by surgical methods. In some tumor types, whole brain radiation therapy or regional radiotherapy can be added to the treatment. Depending on the type of tumor and the region in which it is located, brain biopsy or microsurgery methods are preferred for surgical treatment.

Minimized risk thanks to advanced technology

If the Tumor in a sensitive area that provides vision, speech, or limb movements, using high technology reduces risk during surgery so that these areas are not damaged during surgery.

Neuronavigation: Thanks to this application, the patient's film is loaded on the system, providing the most accurate aiming towards the tumor before surgery and localization of important structures in the vicinity during surgery. 

Neuromonitorisation: The neurologist receives a signal during surgery from electrodes placed on the patient's face, arms and legs before the operation begins. When the signal decreases, the surgeon is informed via a warning that this is a sensitive area. In this way, the risk of facial, arm or leg paralysis that may occur after surgery is greatly reduced.

Intraoperative ultrasonography During the operation, the radiologist performs a brain ultrasound to determine how much of the tumor has been removed. Especially in tumors that are hardly distinguishable from brain tissue, the risk of leaving residual tumor tissue is reduced.

Endoscopy: Provides a wide field of view in a small area, particularly in areas where narrow corridors are used as surgical routes, such as pituitary tumors or intraventricular tumors

Gliolan Dyeing Technique: A fluid is injected into the patient before surgery. During surgery, via a the special filter of the surgical microscope, tumor tissue and normal brain tissue can be seen in different colors. With this method, damage to normal brain tissue, tumor removal is at the maximum level and the risk of neurological loss of the patient is reduced.

Awakening craniotomy: The speech center, the so-called "motor area", is operated on by keeping the patient awake during the surgery of sensitive areas responsible for leg movements. The speech and limb movements of this person can be controlled instantaneously. In this case, the rate of operative success increases.

Intraoperative CT (O-Arm): Computed tomography can be performed during the operation, and the situation during the operation can be visualized. This technology again reduces the risk of surgery.

Gamma Knife: Gamma Knife is a radiosurgery method that does not require general anesthesia and intensive care, which is used for the treatment of brain tumors without surgery.

from Prof. Dr. İlhan Elmacı