How is the Astrocytoma Operation Performed Abroad and Where to go for it?

Overview of Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is one of the types of brain tumors that occurs as a part of a larger group of neoplasms called gliomas. It is one of the common types of tumor that arises from brain cells known as – astrocytes. This type of brain cancer however does not usually metastasize.

According to statistics, benign neoplasms affect children, and malignant astrocytomas are observed in people over 40 years old. Removal of an astrocytoma can be performed using surgery, radiosurgery, targeted, and chemo treatments.

What are its causes?

• genetic predisposition
• transferred infectious diseases
• living in conditions of increased radiation
• work with chemicals and heavy metals
• regular abuse of alcohol and tobacco products are some of the leading causes.

Signs and symptoms of astrocytoma may vary from person to person as it depends upon the location of cancerous cells growth. For lower-grade astrocytomas, symptoms usually start appearing if a neoplasm is large.

Some common symptoms are as follows:

• Weak eyesight
• Speech and verbal complications
• Epileptic seizures.
• Constant headaches.
• Weakness in grip or limbs.

Before prescribing treatment, a thorough assessment is required, which is divided into three stages:

• Inspection by a specialist. The reflexes, balance, hearing, and vision are all tested in the initial step. The doctor inquires about the patient’s concerns and symptoms.
• Visual tests are conducted. Imaging investigations can be used to identify the tumor’s size and exact location. Magnetic resonance imaging and PET scans are commonly employed.
• A biopsy is the examination of a tumor sample. The removal of material occurs either during or before surgery to remove an astrocytoma.

Main treatment approaches used for Astrocytoma

Surgical removal:

An integrated strategy to treating astrocytoma is surgical treatment. The tumor can be totally removed or only partially removed by the doctor. The first option is necessary in order to reduce the pressure of the tumor on the structures of the brain and on other tissues. Also, partial removal is performed to examine damaged cells. Total removal of the tumor is possible only in the early stages; in some cases, resection is performed at the second stage of the disease. At later stages, the neoplasm no longer has clear boundaries and then a subtotal resection is performed – partial removal. After that, radiation therapy is prescribed. Removal of astrocytoma is carried out under the control of 3D visualization. Thus, the clarity of the actions performed is guaranteed. To determine the exact location of the neoplasm, the patient is injected with a contrast agent. Under the action of special lighting, it stains the tumor.

Removal cerebral astrocytoma performed endoscopically way – less invasive method of treatment, wherein the tumor is removed endoscope which is introduced through small incisions. The operation takes 3-4 hours. After such an intervention, the patient recovers faster and the risk of infection and hemorrhage is reduced.

The open surgery procedure is the second option. This procedure entails craniotomy. It lasts about 5-6 hours. The intervention process is divided into six stages:

• Getting ready for surgery. The anesthetic is given to the patient on the operating table by the specialist. The head is held in place by a three-pin device.
• At the site of the tumor, the scalp is sliced.
• The doctor separates a small flap of the cranial bone during trepanation, which involves opening the skull.
• The brain is autopsied.
• The neoplasm is removed.
• The craniotomy is being closed.

Radiosurgery:

 

radiosurgery Removal of astrocytoma in large medical facilities is carried out with special radiological units:

• Cyberknife: An enhanced beam technology that precisely targets malignancies anywhere in the body with a high dosage of radiation. CyberKnife has shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of brain cancers. The method’s main advantages are

1. that it is non-surgical and non-invasive
2. there is no need to fix the head
3. and there is a reduction in the incidence of common cognitive side effects
4. For complete removal of the neoplasm, only 1-5 sessions are required
5. most patients can continue with normal activities throughout treatment.

• The Gamma Knife is a specialized machine that focuses 200 small radiation beams onto the tumor. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is usually a one-time procedure that takes about one day to complete. Some advantages if it are;

1. Fast recuperation
2. treatment in one session
3. Flexibility
4. The gamma knife is used for surgeries in difficult-to-reach areas with the fewest possible adverse effects.

Recovery after removal of astrocytoma

Patients are usually asked to get done with imaging diagnostic procedures so that specialists can easily track the disease and result of surgery. Depending upon results doctors may also prescribe other further treatment approaches like chemo or radiation therapy.

Patients are also usually given post-surgical rehabilitation care through psychiatrists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists.

Removal of Cerebral Astrocytoma abroad

When choosing a clinic, it is important to pay attention to the professionalism of the doctor and the modern equipment used in the medical institution.

Best Germany Clinics:

All clinics in the country are equipped with sophisticated diagnostic and treatment technology, giving the country a competitive edge in the treatment of neoplasms. Patients travel from all over the world to German clinics for the most complicated brain procedures. This demand stems from a number of factors: Minimally invasive treatments are successfully used by doctors. The country’s medical institutes are all equipped with cutting-edge equipment. A thorough diagnosis is performed before the operation is planned. Each procedure is carried out with the goal of causing the least amount of damage to healthy tissue. The patient is effectively rehabilitated after surgery.

TOP-3 German clinics that also appeared as best in Focus magazine:

• Charite University Hospital. The clinics ranks at the 1st position in terms of medical treatment according to Focus. More than 5500 brain neurosurgeries are performed here.
• Clinic Bremen-Mette. The most complex surgical interventions on the spinal cord and brain are successfully carried out here. The following technologies are used here: CyberKnife and Gamma Knife. 
• Erlangen University Hospital . Top clinic in Germany, where more than 2,500 surgical interventions are performed annually for brain-related diseases. For accurate diagnostics modern technology is utilized.

Best Clinics in Israel: Israel is recognized on an international level for its oncological and neurological treatments. Here medical institutions are equipped with modern equipment. In addition, the cost of removing brain astrocytoma in Israel is 30-50% lower than in Western Europe and 3 times lower than in North America.

TOP-3 clinics in Israel are:

• Sourasky (Ichilov): The largest medical facility in the country, accredited by the international organization Joint Commission. More than 1,100 doctors work here, of which 350 have an advanced degree. Astrocytoma is preferably removed ere using minimally invasive methods.
• Sheba: It is included in the TOP-10 of the world’s best hospitals according to Newsweek. A number of world-class surgeons work here.
• Hadassah: The clinic annually receives more than 1.4 million patients each year. For accurate diagnostics, various new technologies like Positron emission tomography are used and the neuro division has cyber knife system as well.