What is a craniotomy?

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat various conditions affecting the brain, including brain tumours. During the procedure, a portion of the skull (cranium) is removed to access the surgical site.

Depending on the patient’s condition, a craniotomy might be minor or more invasive. In addition to brain tumours, the procedure can be used to treat hematomas (blood clots), aneurysms or AVMs, severe head injuries, brain swelling and infection.

What are brain tumours?

A brain tumour is a collection of abnormal cells in your brain that form a mass. Brain tumours can be malignant or benign, meaning cancerous or noncancerous, respectively.

There are two types of brain tumours: primary and secondary. The origin of a primary brain tumour is in the brain. The majority of initial brain tumours are harmless. A secondary brain tumour, also known as a metastatic brain tumour, develops when cancer cells from another organ, such as your lung or breast, migrate to your brain. The rate at which a brain tumour grows varies substantially.

Pressure inside your skull might rise when benign or malignant tumours get larger. This can result in brain damage, which can be fatal. The rate of growth of a brain tumour, as well as its location, define how it will influence the function of your neurological system. The type of brain tumour you have, as well as its size and location, influence your treatment options.

What are the types of brain tumours?

• Primary brain tumours
  • Pituitary Tumours
  • Pineal Gland Tumours
  • Ependymomas
  • Craniopharyngiomas
  • Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphomas
  • Primary Germ Cell Tumours
  • Meningiomas
  • Schwannomas
• Gliomas
• Secondary brain tumours