About Hamartoma
Key Highlights
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Provides a precise, non-invasive diagnosis using advanced imaging technology.Helps distinguish benign hamartomas from malignant tumors, preventing unnecessary surgery.Guides neurosurgeons and other specialists in planning appropriate treatment strategies.Enables safe, long-term monitoring of the lesion's stability without repeated biopsies.Performed by a subspecialist (neuroradiologist) with expert knowledge of brain and nervous system anatomy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Evaluation of a brain mass detected on a prior scan to confirm a hamartoma diagnosis.
- Assessment of patients with symptoms like seizures (especially gelastic seizures), headaches, or hormonal imbalances suggestive of a hypothalamic hamartoma.
- Pre-surgical planning to map the exact location and relationship of the hamartoma to critical brain structures.
- Monitoring known, asymptomatic hamartomas for any changes in size or characteristics over time.
- Diagnostic workup for developmental abnormalities or genetic syndromes (e.g., Tuberous Sclerosis) associated with hamartomas.
How to prepare
- Discussion with the neuroradiologist about medical history, allergies (especially to contrast dye), and any implanted devices.
- Fasting may be required for 4-6 hours if intravenous contrast is to be used for the MRI or CT scan.
- Removal of all metal objects (jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids) before the imaging procedure.
- Informing the staff if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
- For patients with anxiety or claustrophobia, discussing sedation options prior to the appointment for an MRI.
Risks & possible complications
- Allergic reaction to the intravenous contrast material (gadolinium for MRI, iodine for CT), though rare.
- Kidney stress from contrast dye in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
- Discomfort or anxiety from the confined space of the MRI scanner.
- Minimal exposure to radiation during a CT scan (the benefit of diagnosis outweighs this small risk).
- Very rarely, a complication from sedation if it is administered.
Recovery & hospital stay
- No specific recovery period is needed for the diagnostic imaging procedure itself; patients can typically resume normal activities immediately.
- If sedation was used, a brief observation period is required, and patients will need someone to drive them home.
- Drinking plenty of fluids is encouraged after the scan, especially if contrast was used, to help flush it from the system.
- The neuroradiologist will analyze the images and send a detailed report to the referring doctor, who will discuss the findings and next steps.
- Follow-up imaging may be scheduled periodically to monitor the hamartoma if no immediate treatment is needed.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0-1 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering hamartoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with neuroradiology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform hamartoma. MediFyr helps you compare neuroradiologist specialists 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 hamartoma compare across other countries where we have data.
Pari Mehta, a 42-year-old architect and...
Pari Mehta, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two, had been experiencing strange, brief episodes for six months. She would suddenly smell burnt toast, feel a wave of déjà vu, and have difficulty finding words mid-conversation. These 'brain hiccups,' as she called them, were disrupting her work and making her anxious about driving her children. Her neurologist, suspecting focal seizures, ordered an MRI. The neuroradiologist, Dr. Sharma, identified a small, well-defined hamartoma in her left temporal lobe, a benign, non-cancerous tumor of disorganized brain cells that was acting as an epileptic focus. Dr. Sharma recommended a specialized MRI protocol to map the lesion's precise relationship to critical language and memory areas, crucial for planning potential surgery. Pari was terrified of the word 'tumor' but found comfort in Dr. Sharma's calm, thorough explanation that this was a developmental 'birthmark' of the brain, not cancer. The MRI experience was claustrophobic but manageable. The detailed imaging confirmed the hamartoma was in a surgically accessible location. Armed with this precise map, neurosurgeons successfully performed a laser ablation. Six months post-procedure, Pari's seizures have completely ceased. The emotional journey was profound: from the fear of an unknown brain 'thing' and loss of control, to immense relief upon understanding its benign nature, and finally to gratitude for the precise imaging that guided her cure, allowing her to return to her family and career without fear.
Neuroradiologist Specialists for Hamartoma
Explore experienced neuroradiologist specialists who regularly perform hamartoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Neuroradiologist Specialist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
- Neuroradiologist Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore