Brain Tumor Excision

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Things you need to know

What is Brain Tumor Excision ?

Why do you need Brain Tumor Excision?

Brain tumor excision is indicated for:

Primary brain tumors:
- Benign: Meningioma, pituitary adenoma, schwannoma.
- Malignant: Glioma (e.g., glioblastoma), astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma.
Metastatic tumors: Cancer spread from another site (e.g., lung, breast).
Symptomatic tumors: Causing seizures, headaches, motor deficits, vision/hearing loss, or cognitive changes.
Tumor growth: Even if asymptomatic, to prevent future complications.
Biopsy confirmation: When tumor type is unclear, excision provides tissue for diagnosis.

The procedure aims to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible (maximal safe resection) while preserving neurological function. Complete removal may not be feasible for tumors in critical areas (e.g., brainstem) or those with infiltrative growth (e.g., glioblastoma).

Why Do Brain Tumor Excision Costs Vary in Philippines?

Brain Tumor Excision Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis:
  - MRI (with contrast) or CT scan maps the tumor’s location, size, and relation to critical structures (e.g., motor cortex, optic nerve).
  - Functional MRI or tractography identifies areas controlling speech, movement, or vision.
  - Blood tests assess fitness for surgery (e.g., coagulation, liver function).
  - Neurological exam evaluates deficits (e.g., weakness, speech issues).
- Steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) reduce brain swelling; antiseizure medications (e.g., levetiracetam) may be started.
- Consent: Risks, including neurological deficits or incomplete resection, are explained.
Surgical Techniques:
- Craniotomy:
  - Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–6 hours.
  - A scalp incision and craniotomy (removal of a skull section, 5–10 cm) expose the brain.
  - Intraoperative Tools:
    - Neuronavigation: GPS-like system using MRI to guide the surgeon.
    - Intraoperative MRI or ultrasound: Real-time imaging to maximize resection.
    - Awake craniotomy: Used for tumors near eloquent areas (e.g., speech centers); the patient performs tasks (e.g., speaking) to avoid damage.
    - Cortical mapping: Stimulates brain areas to identify functional regions.
  - The tumor is removed using microsurgical techniques (e.g., ultrasonic aspirator, microscissors).
  - Hemostasis is achieved with bipolar cautery; the skull flap is replaced with titanium plates/screws, and the scalp is sutured.
- Endoscopic Excision:
  - For tumors in ventricles or pituitary gland (e.g., transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas).
  - A small incision or nasal approach is used with an endoscope, minimizing brain manipulation.
- Stereotactic Biopsy:
  - If resection isn’t feasible (e.g., deep tumors), a needle biopsy is performed using a stereotactic frame for diagnosis.
After Surgery:
- ICU monitoring for 1–3 days to watch for swelling, bleeding, or seizures.
- Hospital stay: 5–10 days (longer if complications).
- Pain management: IV analgesics (e.g., morphine) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen).
- Steroids are tapered over 1–2 weeks; antiseizure medications continue for 3–6 months.
- Pathology report (within 5–7 days) determines tumor type and guides adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy for malignant tumors).

Recovery After Brain Tumor Excision

Hospital Stay: 5–10 days; longer (2–4 weeks) if complications or adjuvant therapy starts.
Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain: Scalp discomfort for 1–2 weeks, managed with analgesics.
- Activity: Light walking on day 2–3; avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks.
- Neurological monitoring: For deficits (e.g., weakness, speech issues), which may improve over weeks/months.
- Steroids and antiseizure medications are adjusted based on symptoms.
- Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, or speech therapy if deficits persist.
Diet: Normal diet; high-protein foods (e.g., eggs, lentils) support healing; 2–3 liters water daily.
Follow-Up:
- MRI at 6–12 weeks to assess residual tumor; then every 3–6 months for malignant tumors.
- Oncology consultation for radiation/chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide for glioblastoma).

Recovery varies: 6–12 weeks for benign tumors with full resection; months to years for malignant tumors, with survival depending on tumor type (e.g., glioblastoma: 12–18 months median survival; meningioma: 90–95% 5-year survival).

Risks and Complications

Surgical Risks: Bleeding (3–5%), infection (2–5%), brain swelling (5–10%).
Neurological Complications:
- Deficits (5–15%): Weakness, speech/vision loss, depending on tumor location.
- Seizures (5–10%), managed with medications.
General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, blood clots (DVT, 2–5%), hydrocephalus (5–10%).
Long-Term: Recurrence (e.g., glioblastoma: 90% within 2 years), cognitive decline, personality changes (esp. frontal lobe tumors).

Report fever, severe headache, or neurological changes promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a brain tumor?

Often unknown; risk factors include genetics, radiation exposure, and family history (e.g., neurofibromatosis).

Can a brain tumor be fully removed?

Depends on the tumor: Benign tumors (e.g., meningioma) can often be fully removed; malignant ones (e.g., glioblastoma) often recur due to infiltration.

Will I lose brain function?

Risk exists (5–15%), but intraoperative mapping minimizes damage; deficits may improve with rehabilitation.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 2–3 weeks, normal routines in 6–12 weeks.

Is brain tumor excision covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic or malignant tumors; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe headache, seizures, or new neurological deficits.

Will the tumor come back?

Benign: 5–10% recurrence; malignant: 50–90%, depending on tumor type and resection extent.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks, adhere to medications, attend rehabilitation, and follow up regularly.

Conclusion

Looking for Best Hospitals for Brain Tumor Excision

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.

City	Minimum Price (₱)	Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Brain Tumor Excision?

Brain tumor excision is a surgical procedure to remove a tumor from the brain, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent progression, and potentially cure the condition, depending on the tumor type. It is a complex procedure requiring precision to minimize damage to surrounding brain tissue. In the Philippines, brain tumor excision is performed in neurosurgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering advanced care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients and families to make informed decision.

Why Do You Need Brain Tumor Excision?

Brain tumor excision is indicated for:

Primary Brain Tumors:
- Benign: Meningioma (20–30% of cases), pituitary adenoma (10–15%), schwannoma (e.g., acoustic neuroma, 5–10%).
- Malignant: Glioma (e.g., glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma; 40–50% of cases).
Metastatic Tumors: Cancer spread from another site (e.g., lung, breast; 15–20% of cases).
Symptomatic Tumors: Causing seizures (30–50% of patients), headaches, motor deficits (e.g., weakness), vision/hearing loss, or cognitive changes (e.g., memory issues).
Tumor Growth: Even if asymptomatic, to prevent future complications (e.g., increased intracranial pressure).
Biopsy Confirmation: When tumor type is unclear, excision provides tissue for accurate diagnosis.
Prevalence: Brain tumors affect ~2–3 per 100,000 in the Philippines, with higher incidence in adults (age 40–70) and children (e.g., medulloblastoma).

The procedure aims to achieve maximal safe resection (removing as much tumor as possible while preserving neurological function). Complete removal is often feasible for benign tumors but challenging for malignant or infiltrative tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) or those in critical areas (e.g., brainstem).

Why Do Brain Tumor Excision Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱300,000 to ₱1,500,000, based on:

Procedure Complexity:
- Standard craniotomy: ₱300,000–₱800,000.
- Awake craniotomy or endoscopic (e.g., transsphenoidal for pituitary tumors): ₱500,000–₱1,500,000, due to specialized equipment.
Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱500,000–₱1,500,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱100,000–₱400,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance).
Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced neurosurgeons charge higher fees.
Additional Costs:
- Diagnostics (e.g., MRI with contrast: ₱15,000–₱40,000; CT scan: ₱10,000–₱25,000).
- ICU stay (₱20,000–₱50,000/day for 1–3 days).
- Medications (e.g., steroids, antiseizure drugs: ₱20,000–₱50,000).
- Intraoperative tools (e.g., neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI: ₱100,000–₱300,000).
- Adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy for malignant tumors: ₱200,000–₱500,000).
Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱50,000–₱150,000 depending on case type); private insurance typically covers symptomatic or malignant tumors. Charitable programs (e.g., PCSO) may assist with costs. Confirm with your provider.

Brain Tumor Excision Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

Diagnosis:
- MRI (with contrast): Primary imaging to map tumor location, size, and relation to critical structures (e.g., motor cortex, optic nerve; 90% of cases).
- CT Scan: Used if MRI is unavailable or for bony anatomy assessment.
- Functional MRI or Tractography: Identifies areas controlling speech, movement, or vision (used in 20–30% of cases near eloquent areas).
- Blood Tests: Coagulation profile, liver/kidney function, complete blood count.
- Neurological Exam: Evaluates deficits (e.g., weakness, speech issues, coordination).
Preparation:
- Steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) to reduce brain swelling (5–10 days pre-op).
- Antiseizure medications (e.g., levetiracetam) if seizures present (30–50% of cases).
- Fasting 6–8 hours; consent includes risks like neurological deficits or incomplete resection.
Multidisciplinary Team: Involves neurosurgeon, neurologist, anesthesiologist, and oncologist (for malignant tumors).

Surgical Techniques:

Craniotomy:
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–6 hours.
- Process:
  - Scalp incision and craniotomy (removal of a skull section, 5–10 cm) to expose the brain.
  - Dura (brain covering) opened; tumor identified using microscope or neuronavigation.
  - Tumor removed with microsurgical tools (e.g., ultrasonic aspirator, microscissors) to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
  - Hemostasis with bipolar cautery; dura closed with sutures; skull flap replaced with titanium plates/screws; scalp sutured.
- Used for most tumors (e.g., meningioma, glioma).
Awake Craniotomy:
- For tumors near eloquent areas (e.g., speech or motor cortex); patient awake during part of surgery to monitor function.
- Patient performs tasks (e.g., speaking, moving) while surgeon maps brain with cortical stimulation.
- Takes 4–7 hours; available at advanced centers like St. Luke’s.
Endoscopic Excision:
- For tumors in ventricles or pituitary gland (e.g., transsphenoidal approach via nose for pituitary adenomas; 10–15% of cases).
- Uses endoscope through small incision or nasal passage; minimizes brain manipulation.
- Takes 2–4 hours; offered at The Medical City and similar centers.
Stereotactic Biopsy:
- For deep or inoperable tumors (e.g., brainstem); needle biopsy using stereotactic frame or neuronavigation for diagnosis only.
- Takes 1–2 hours; less common (5–10% of cases).
Intraoperative Tools:
- Neuronavigation: GPS-like system using MRI for precision (used in 50–70% of cases).
- Intraoperative MRI/Ultrasound: Real-time imaging to maximize resection (available at select centers).
- Cortical Mapping: Identifies functional areas during awake surgery.
- Fluorescence-Guided Surgery: 5-ALA dye highlights malignant tumors (e.g., glioblastoma); limited availability in the Philippines.

After Surgery:

Hospital Stay: 5–10 days; ICU monitoring for 1–3 days for swelling, bleeding, or seizures.
Care:
- Pain management with IV analgesics (e.g., morphine) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen).
- Steroids tapered over 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling.
- Antiseizure medications continued for 3–6 months (or lifelong if seizures persist).
- Pathology report (5–7 days) determines tumor type and guides adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy for malignant tumors).
Instructions: Avoid strenuous activity for 6–8 weeks; monitor for neurological changes; keep incision clean.

Recovery After Brain Tumor Excision

Hospital Stay: 5–10 days; longer (2–4 weeks) if complications or adjuvant therapy (e.g., radiation) starts.
Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain: Scalp discomfort for 1–2 weeks, managed with analgesics.
- Neurological Monitoring: For deficits (e.g., weakness, speech issues), which may improve over weeks/months with rehabilitation.
- Medications: Steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) tapered over 1–2 weeks; antiseizure drugs (e.g., levetiracetam) for 3–6 months.
- Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, or speech therapy if deficits persist (20–30% of cases).
- Diet: Normal diet; high-protein foods (e.g., fish, eggs, beans) support healing; 2–3 liters water daily.
Activity:
- Light walking on day 2–3 to prevent blood clots.
- Avoid heavy lifting, driving, or strenuous activity for 6–8 weeks.
- Return to work/school: 6–12 weeks (benign tumors); longer for malignant tumors or deficits.
Follow-Up:
- MRI at 6–12 weeks to assess residual tumor; then every 3–6 months for malignant tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) or annually for benign tumors (e.g., meningioma).
- Oncology consultation for adjuvant therapy (e.g., temozolomide, radiation for glioblastoma; 50–60% of malignant cases).
Recovery varies: 6–12 weeks for benign tumors with full resection; months to years for malignant tumors. Survival rates: Glioblastoma (12–18 months median survival); meningioma (90–95% 5-year survival); outcomes depend on tumor type, resection extent, and patient age/health.

Risks and Complications

Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding (3–5%): Intracranial hematoma; may need evacuation.
- Infection (2–5%): Meningitis or wound infection; treated with antibiotics.
- Brain Swelling (5–10%): Managed with steroids or decompressive surgery (rare).
Neurological Complications:
- Deficits (5–15%): Weakness, speech/vision loss, or cognitive changes, depending on tumor location; may improve with therapy.
- Seizures (5–10%): Managed with antiseizure medications; higher risk in cortical tumors.
General Risks:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia (<1%).
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, 2–5%) or pulmonary embolism; minimized by early mobility.
- Hydrocephalus (5–10%): Fluid buildup in brain; may need shunt placement (₱200,000–₱500,000).
Long-Term:
- Recurrence: Glioblastoma (90% within 2 years); meningioma (5–10% at 10 years).
- Cognitive Decline or Personality Changes: Especially in frontal lobe tumors (10–20%).
Report fever, severe headache, seizures, or new neurological deficits promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a brain tumor?
Often unknown; risk factors include genetic syndromes (e.g., neurofibromatosis), prior radiation exposure, or family history (5–10% of cases).

Can a brain tumor be fully removed?
Benign tumors (e.g., meningioma, pituitary adenoma) can often be fully removed (80–90% success); malignant tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) often recur due to infiltrative growth.

Will I lose brain function after surgery?
Risk exists (5–15%), especially near eloquent areas (e.g., speech, motor cortex); intraoperative mapping minimizes damage, and deficits may improve with rehabilitation.

How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 2–3 weeks; normal routines: 6–12 weeks (benign tumors); longer for malignant tumors or deficits.

Is brain tumor excision covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱50,000–₱150,000); private insurance typically covers symptomatic or malignant tumors. PCSO medical assistance may help. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications post-surgery?
Fever, severe headache, seizures, or new neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, vision loss) require immediate attention.

Will the tumor come back?
Benign tumors: 5–10% recurrence at 10 years; malignant tumors: 50–90% recurrence (e.g., glioblastoma within 2 years).

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks, adhere to medications, attend rehabilitation, follow a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and attend regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

Brain tumor excision is a critical procedure to treat brain tumors, with outcomes varying by tumor type, location, and resection extent. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) offer advanced care using techniques like craniotomy and neuronavigation at costs ranging from ₱300,000 to ₱1,500,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients and families to navigate this challenging journey confidently. Consult a neurosurgeon at a reputable hospital for personalized guidance and optimal treatment outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Brain Tumor Excision

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.

City	Minimum Price (₱)	Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City	200,000	600,000
Antipolo	200,000	600,000
Bacolod	200,000	600,000
Bacoor	200,000	400,000
Baguio	200,000	600,000
Butuan	200,000	400,000
Cagayan de Oro	200,000	600,000
Caloocan	200,000	400,000
Cebu City	250,000	800,000
Dasmariñas	200,000	400,000
Davao City	250,000	800,000
General Santos	200,000	600,000
General Trias	200,000	400,000
Iligan	200,000	600,000
Iloilo City	200,000	600,000
Las Piñas	200,000	600,000
Makati	250,000	800,000
Malolos	200,000	400,000
Manila	250,000	800,000
Muntinlupa	200,000	600,000
Parañaque	200,000	600,000
Pasay	200,000	600,000
Pasig	250,000	800,000
Puerto Princesa	200,000	600,000
Quezon City	250,000	800,000
San Fernando	200,000	400,000
San Jose del Monte	200,000	400,000
Taguig	250,000	800,000
Valenzuela	200,000	400,000
Zamboanga City	200,000	600,000