Receiving a brain tumour diagnosis can be overwhelming, but finding the right care can make a difference. Our brain tumour clinic in Singapore offers various treatment options, expert multidisciplinary care and support to guide you every step of the way.
Understanding Brain Tumour Growth
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding tissue. Brain tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their impact varies depending on their type, size and location. Early detection and specialised treatment are crucial for managing brain tumours effectively.
Problems Caused by Brain Tumours
Brain tumours pose significant health risks due to their impact on essential brain functions. Symptoms vary depending on the tumour’s location but can include headaches, seizures, vision changes, difficulty with balance and cognitive impairments. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for preventing the tumour from worsening and affecting your quality of life.
However, many patients experience delays in diagnosis due to the non-specific nature of early symptoms. Without prompt evaluation, a tumour may continue to grow, leading to more severe complications and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Different Types of Brain Tumours
Brain tumours are classified into different types based on their origin, behaviour and location:
- Gliomas: These tumours arise from glial cells and are among the most common primary brain tumours. They include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas.
- Meningiomas: Typically benign, these tumours develop from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although non-cancerous, they can still cause significant symptoms due to their location.
- Pituitary Adenomas: These tumours form in the pituitary gland and can affect hormone production, leading to various systemic symptoms.
- Acoustic Neuromas (Vestibular Schwannomas): These benign tumours grow on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance, causing symptoms like hearing loss and dizziness.
- Metastatic Brain Tumours: These malignant tumours spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body, such as lung, breast, or melanoma cancers.
Understanding the type of brain tumour is essential for tailoring the most effective treatment plan.
Possible Complications
The physical and emotional toll of a brain tumour can be immense:
- Chronic Headaches: Persistent, worsening headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Cognitive Decline: Memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating are distressing cognitive symptoms that many patients experience.
- Emotional and Psychological Stress: A brain tumour diagnosis can cause anxiety, depression and fear of the unknown, affecting both patients and their families.
- Physical Disability: Tumours impacting motor areas can lead to weakness, paralysis and difficulty with coordination, severely limiting daily activities.
- Seizures: Seizures are a common symptom and can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
Brain Tumour Treatment Options in Singapore
- Diagnosis and Imaging: We use imaging techniques like brain MRI scans and CT scans to detect and locate brain tumours.
- Personalised Care: Our clinic includes a neurosurgeon who collaborates with you to develop a tailored treatment plan for your condition. This approach ensures that your specific needs are addressed throughout your care journey.
- Patient-Centred Care: We understand the emotional challenges patients face. Our clinic offers support, including counselling, pain management and rehabilitation services to ensure comprehensive care.
- Initial Consultation and Diagnostic Imaging: Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation, followed by imaging tests like Brain MRI scans. These tests allow us to evaluate the tumour’s size, location, and characteristics.
- Biopsy (if needed): In some cases, a biopsy may be required to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant. This involves taking a small sample of the tumour tissue for examination.
- Surgical Removal: For many patients, surgery is the primary treatment. Our neurosurgeon specialises in minimally invasive techniques, aiming to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving surrounding healthy brain tissue.
- Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy: In cases where complete surgical removal isn’t possible, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended to shrink the tumour or control its growth.
- Post-Surgical Care and Rehabilitation: After surgery, patients may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to recover function and improve quality of life. Our team ensures seamless coordination of post-treatment care.
- Regular Follow-Up and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring through follow-up scans and consultations is crucial to detect any recurrence or changes in the tumour.
Expected Patient Recovery and Benefits
- Precise Diagnostics: Up-to-date imaging ensures that tumours are detected early and accurately.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Our surgical approaches prioritise preserving brain function and minimising recovery time.
- Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis to recovery, our team provides expert care and emotional support every step of the way.
- Improved Quality of Life: Timely treatment and rehabilitation can significantly enhance your overall well-being and independence.
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our specialists work collaboratively to develop and implement the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Visit VEC Specialists
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, it’s important to seek the right care. Our brain tumour clinic in Singapore provides a patient-focused approach, ensuring that you receive the support and treatment tailored to your specific condition.
Book an Appointment or Enquire about our Consultation
Take the first step towards managing your brain tumour by booking an appointment at our clinic. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every aspect of your care, providing the support and expertise you need.
