Neurosurgery for brain tumours (adults)
Neurosurgery is one of the main treatment options following the diagnosis of a brain tumour. Learn more about neurosurgery and brain tumours, including biopsy procedures, tumour removal and brain surgery side effects.
Why is neurosurgery performed for brain tumours?
Neurosurgery aims to completely remove your tumour or remove as much of it as possible. This type of surgery is performed on the brain or spinal cord by a highly specialised doctor known as a neurosurgeon.
Neurosurgery may also be performed for other reasons related to the treatment and management of your tumour and its associated symptoms.
Surgery can have several purposes:
- Diagnosis of tumour type (biopsy)
- Whole or partial removal of the tumour (craniotomy)
- Insertion of chemotherapy drugs directly into the brain
- Reduction of associated conditions, such as a build-up of the cerebrospinal fluid
It is important to know that neurosurgery is not always possible. If your brain tumour is too close to an important part of the brain, surgery may be too risky. In this case, another treatment option will be suggested.
Common side-effects
- sickness and nausea
- a sore throat
- headaches
- momentary phases of feeling dizzy or confused
- difficulty swallowing
- tiredness
- new symptoms, for example, personality changes, poor balance or co-ordination, speech problems and epileptic seizures.
Get your free brain tumour information pack
Our FREE Brain Tumour Information Pack has been designed to help you through this difficult time, to guide you through the healthcare system, answer your questions, and reassure you that you’re not alone so that you feel confident when discussing treatment and care options with your medical team.
Unfortunately, we’re currently unable to send Information Packs by post. All the information contained in the pack can be found in the email you’ll receive after completing this form.
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