About Benign Astrocytoma
Key Highlights
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Focuses on maximal safe removal to preserve neurological function.Often has a favorable long-term prognosis with appropriate management.Treatment is highly individualized based on tumor location, size, and grade.Multidisciplinary care involving neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and neuro-oncologists.Aims for long-term tumor control and maintenance of quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a symptomatic low-grade astrocytoma causing seizures, headaches, or neurological deficits.
- Tumor growth or change in characteristics observed on follow-up MRI scans.
- Diagnosis of a benign astrocytoma in an accessible brain location where surgery is deemed safe.
- To obtain a definitive tissue diagnosis when imaging is inconclusive.
- Prevention of potential malignant transformation of a low-grade tumor over time.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and review of medical history.
- Advanced imaging (MRI with contrast, sometimes fMRI or DTI) to map the tumor and brain function.
- Pre-operative consultations with neurosurgeon, oncologist, and anesthesiologist.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery if a resection is planned.
- Arranging for support and leave from work for the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Surgical risks: Infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), blood clots, or reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological deficits: Potential for new or worsened weakness, sensory changes, speech difficulties (aphasia), or vision problems.
- Seizures, which may be temporary or require long-term medication.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or swelling of the brain (edema).
- Risks of adjuvant therapy (if needed): Fatigue, skin irritation from radiation, or chemotherapy side effects.
- Tumor recurrence, though less common than with malignant types.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital for monitoring of neurological status and surgical site.
- Pain management and medications to prevent seizures or brain swelling.
- Gradual increase in activity; strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for weeks.
- Possible referral to physical, occupational, or speech therapy for rehabilitation.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the oncologist and serial MRI scans (often every 3-6 months initially).
- Monitoring for and reporting any new symptoms like severe headaches, seizures, or neurological changes promptly.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering benign astrocytoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for benign astrocytoma in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform benign astrocytoma. MediFyr helps you compare oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for benign astrocytoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Benign Astrocytoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing benign astrocytoma.
Olivia Brown, a 28-year-old elementary school...
Olivia Brown, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, was an avid runner and newly engaged. Over six months, she began experiencing worsening morning headaches and occasional nausea. During a lesson, her students noticed her speech slurring briefly. An MRI revealed a grade II diffuse astrocytoma in her left frontal lobe, explaining her symptoms and a recent slight personality change, more impulsivity. Her oncologist, Dr. Chen, recommended an awake craniotomy to maximize tumor removal while preserving her speech and motor functions, followed by a course of radiation therapy. Olivia was terrified of brain surgery but determined to get back to her life. The awake procedure was surreal but successful, with surgeons removing 95% of the tumor. Recovery was challenging, with fatigue and mild word-finding difficulties that required speech therapy. Six months post-op, she is back teaching part-time, managing fatigue, and her engagement party is back on. The emotional journey was from sheer terror and mourning her 'old self' to finding immense resilience and a new, profound appreciation for every clear-headed day.
Oncologists for Benign Astrocytoma
Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform benign astrocytoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Medical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 23 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada