Meningioma Treatment Cost in India

Types of Meningiomas

• Grade I (benign ) - most common type of meningiomas , slow growing tumors and less chances of recurrence
• Grade II (atypical ) - grows quickly with increased chances of recurrence
• Grade III ( anaplastic /malignant ) - these are most aggressive of the meningiomas  , they grow and spread very rapidly .

Symptoms of Meningiomas

Meningiomas  usually grows slowly  and gently pushes and compress the surrounding brain tissue  .

Symptoms depend on location of tumor within the brain , some common symptoms may be :

• Headaches 
• Neurological deficits, weakness in arms, legs
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Visual problems
• Loss of smell

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Diagnosis of Meningioma

Asymptomatic meningioma usually remain undiagnosed

Symptomatic meningiomas are diagnosed by imaging studies and clinical correlation with the compression symptoms they present

Clinically Neurological examination is performed ,

Imaging techniques confirms  the location and extent of tumor

• MRI Scan (magnetic resonance imaging )- use of magnetic and sound waves to study the tumor 
• CT Scan (computerized tomography )- a series of X rays at different angles to take images.
• Biopsy- may be performed by removing a part of tumor tissue for detailed diagnosis to study whether benign or malignant
• EEG (electro encephalogram )may be used to understand the electrical activity of the brain .

Treatment of  Meningioma

Treatment option may vary for every patient and  depends upon

• Location of tumor
• Size of tumor
• Grade of tumor
• Presenting symptoms

• Observation – In cases when the Meningioma is small and asymptomatic , usually only surveillance by imaging follow ups is required .
• Surgery –if the tumor is symptomatic and large then surgery is preferred, difficulty lies in the location and size of Meningioma.
• Craniotomy is performed wherein part of bone from skull is incised     to expose the brain , the tumor is accessed and removed as much as possible without damaging the brain , the incision is then closed  .
• Endoscopic craniotomy is a minimally invasive surgery involves insertion of scope with a camera into the brain through small incision into skull .

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After surgery

• You will be monitored in the ICU before shifting to room and given medications to decrease brain swelling.
• You will be checked for brain functions by asking you to perform a variety of basic commands , your awareness level ,strength of extremities.
• The incision area and the head may pain with deep breathing or coughing for some time , you may use pain killer medication .
• Your recovery period will vary with the type of procedure performed, it may take several weeks .

Complications of MeningiomaSurgery

• Damage to nearby tissues and risk of bleeding , infection
• Cerebral edema commonly seen
• Some will develop seizures after surgery
• Some might develop neurological problems like muscle weakness , speech difficulty
• There is an risk of developing clots

• Radiation therapy –In this  high intensity beams of radiation targeting the tumor are given , radiation  may be used along with surgery or can also be the primary mode of treatment for tumors wherein  surgery not possible in patients due to medical conditions .

Radiation is mandatorilyperformed with grade III meningiomas .

After radiation the tumor should stop growing , reduce in size or disappear.

Factors Affecting Cost of  Meningioma Treatment

Following are the factors which will affect the treatment cost: 

• The hospital patient is opting for.
• Room –Standard single room, deluxe room, super deluxe room for the number of nights specified (including nursing fee, meals, room rate, and room service).
• Operating room, ICU
• Fee for the team of doctors (Surgeons ,Anesthesist ,Physiotherapist ,Dietician )
• Medicines
• Standard test and diagnostic procedures
• Treatment options : 
  • Surgery 
  • Radiation therapy
  • If there is any remission or re-occurrence 

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