DR SHAURYA DARBARI
“You have a tumor in the brain” can be one of the most harrowing phrases a patient can hear from their doctor. “How much time do I have?” and “Will I lose my mind?” are some of the questions that often pop up. Scores of estranged family members are informed, wills are made, and people tend to right the wrongs they did in the time they have left. And they are not factually wrong, as about two decades ago, the diagnosis of a brain tumor invariably meant a death sentence for someone. The collective psyche of society regards brain tumors as some reminder of the finality and inevitableness of death. As we approach World Brain Tumor Day on June 8th, 2024, it’s time to shed light on a condition that has long been shrouded in fear and misconceptions. Brain tumors, once considered a death sentence, are now being understood and treated with remarkable advancements in medical science.
Contrary to popular belief, not all brain tumors are created equal. While some are indeed aggressive and life-threatening, some of the most common types are benign and slow-growing, often treatable with timely intervention. It’s crucial to understand that brain tumors encompass a wide range of types, each with its unique characteristics and prognosis.
One of the most common misconceptions is that every headache or seizure is a harbinger of a brain tumor. These symptoms can arise from various causes, and a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying condition. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant and seek professional advice if you experience worsening or new neurological symptoms.
Among the various brain tumor types, glioblastoma stands out as one of the most aggressive and challenging to treat. This deadly form of cancer has long been a subject of intense research, with scientists and clinicians from around the worldtirelessly working to develop new and innovative treatment regimens.
While the statistics may seem daunting, the average survival time for a patient with glioblastoma is 12-18 months, which means only 25% of the individuals with the diagnosisare alive after a year. However, it’s important to remember that althoughstatistics can help clinicians, they are useless to an individual. Every patient’s journey is unique, and with the best available treatments and timely intervention, an individual can live the rest of their life in a fulfilling way. Countless stories of remarkable resilience and miraculous recoveries remind us that hope should never be abandoned.
The battle against brain tumors is being waged on multiple fronts, with groundbreaking therapies emerging on the horizon. New chemotherapy and radiation treatment regimens are being developed as we learn more about the molecular makeup of these tumor cells. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to combat cancer cells, has shown promising results in clinical trials. Additionally, vaccines for glioblastoma are in development, which may stop the tumor from appearing again.Transcranial magnetic stimulation is being explored as a potential treatment modality for improving the quality of life, offering new avenues for hope.
While innovative therapies are crucial, surgery remains the cornerstone of brain tumor treatment. However, the goal extends beyond mere tumor removal; it is a delicate balance between eradicating the malignancy and preserving the patient’s brain function, ensuring they can continue living their lives with minimal disability.
Neurosurgeons now have access to cutting-edge tools that enable them to navigate the intricate landscape of the brain with unprecedented precision. Advances like neuromonitoring help surgeons avoid critical areas of the brain during surgery, even under anesthesia. Neuronavigation helps them to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor during surgery. Perhaps the most well well-known tool available to surgeons is an awake craniotomy, where patients are awake during surgery but feel no pain so that the surgeon can monitor their functions in real-time while removing the tumor. These advancements have revolutionized the surgical approach, maximizing tumor removal while safeguarding the patient’s cognitive and functional abilities, in short, preserving what makes them human.
As we conclude this journey through the world of brain tumors, it’s essential to highlight the invaluable resources available right here in our community. The Neurosurgery Department at AIIMS Jammu will be well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of dedicated professionals committed to providing the highest standard of care.
From cutting-edge diagnostic tools to advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive post-operative support, AIIMS Jammu is poised to serve as a haven for those affected by brain tumors. The institute’s unwavering dedication to patient-centered care ensures everyone receives personalized attention and a compassionate approach tailored to their unique needs.
As we commemorate World Brain Tumor Day, let us embrace the progress in understanding and treating this formidable condition. While challenges undoubtedly remain, the collective efforts of researchers, clinicians, and support networks worldwide are paving the way toward a future where brain tumors are no longer a death sentence but a battle that can be won through resilience, hope, and unwavering determination.
(The writer is Assistant Professor and Faculty in-charge, Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS Jammu).
