Cerebral Astrocytoma Treatment in Turkey
About Cerebral Astrocytoma
Key Highlights
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Aims for maximal safe tumor removal to relieve pressure on the brain and improve symptoms.Provides a definitive tissue sample (biopsy) for accurate diagnosis and tumor grading, which is crucial for planning further treatment.Utilizes state-of-the-art technology like neuronavigation and intraoperative MRI for enhanced surgical precision.Can significantly improve neurological function and quality of life when performed successfully.Often a critical first step in a multimodal treatment plan that may include radiation and chemotherapy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a symptomatic brain mass identified on MRI or CT scan, suspected to be an astrocytoma.
- New or worsening neurological symptoms such as seizures, persistent headaches, weakness, speech difficulties, or personality changes.
- Progressive growth of a known low-grade astrocytoma on follow-up imaging.
- Need for a tissue diagnosis to confirm the tumor type and grade (e.g., pilocytic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, glioblastoma).
- To reduce tumor burden (debulk) before starting radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- To relieve increased intracranial pressure causing life-threatening complications.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including detailed MRI with contrast and sometimes advanced imaging like fMRI or DTI to map brain function.
- Consultations with the neurosurgeon, neurologist, and oncologist to discuss the treatment plan and goals.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess overall fitness for anesthesia and surgery.
- Possible administration of steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) to reduce brain swelling before surgery.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Discussion of potential risks, benefits, and consent for the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological deficits: Potential for new or worsened weakness, numbness, vision problems, speech difficulties (aphasia), or memory impairment.
- Seizures during or after the procedure.
- Cerebral edema (brain swelling) and increased intracranial pressure.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or infection (meningitis).
- Risk of incomplete tumor resection, especially if located near critical brain areas.
- Stroke due to injury to surrounding blood vessels.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in an intensive care unit (ICU) or high-dependency unit for close neurological monitoring for 1-2 days.
- Management of pain, swelling, and prevention of seizures with medications.
- Gradual mobilization with assistance from physiotherapists to regain strength and coordination.
- Possible need for speech, occupational, or physical therapy to address any post-operative deficits.
- Stitches or staples are typically removed 10-14 days after surgery.
- Follow-up MRI scan within 48-72 hours post-surgery to assess the extent of tumor removal.
- Long-term follow-up with oncology for planning of adjuvant therapies like radiation or chemotherapy as needed.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cerebral astrocytoma in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cerebral astrocytoma in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Liv Hospital Ankara, 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 cerebral astrocytoma. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons 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 cerebral astrocytoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,854 – USD 13,214 | 7-14 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,685 – USD 98,347 | 7-14 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cerebral Astrocytoma in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cerebral astrocytoma.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Olivia Johnson, a 28-year-old elementary school...
Olivia Johnson, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, had always been active and healthy. Over six months, she began experiencing worsening headaches, especially in the mornings, and noticed a slight but persistent weakness in her right hand that made writing on the whiteboard difficult. An MRI revealed a diffuse astrocytoma in her left frontal lobe, near the area controlling motor function. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended an awake craniotomy to maximize tumor removal while preserving her speech and hand function. During the procedure, Olivia was asked to talk and move her fingers, allowing the surgical team to map critical brain areas in real-time. The surgery successfully removed over 90% of the tumor. After a week in the hospital and several months of outpatient occupational therapy, Olivia regained nearly full strength in her hand. Emotionally, she transitioned from a state of terror and grief over the diagnosis to profound gratitude. The experience gave her a new perspective, making her a more empathetic teacher, and she now volunteers to support other young adults facing brain tumor diagnoses.
Neurosurgeons for Cerebral Astrocytoma
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform cerebral astrocytoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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