- Brain tumors register an incidence of 3.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Mexico.
- Although it is estimated that 90% of brain tumors are benign, their detection and timely treatment are key to avoiding possible sequelae in patients.
- The probability of suffering a brain tumor throughout life is 1%.
One of the characteristics of cancer is its ability to develop in any part of the body. Among the wide variety that exists brain tumor It is one of the most serious due to its impact on the daily activities of patients. In addition, as with other neoplasms, there is always the risk of metastasis.
To get an idea, brain tumors register a incidence of 3.5 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in Mexico. Although it is estimated that 90% of brain tumors are benign, their detection and timely treatment are key to avoiding possible sequelae in patients.
What is it like to live with a brain tumor?
To answer this question it is necessary to know the testimony of Jane (her real name has been changed). In 2016 she noticed that she leaned to the left when she was driving her car, which she attributed to clumsiness. However, after a series of incidents she sought medical attention, which identified that a brain tumor, most likely a meningioma, was causing her symptoms.
“A meningioma is a brain tumor that originates in the lining of the brain and is very common, and often benign,” said Brian Nahed, MD, MSc, a neurosurgical oncologist specializing in brain tumors and associate director of the Mass Neurosurgery Residency Program. General.
After receiving the diagnosis in Bermuda, Jane considered many hospitals in the United States; however, since Mass General was highly recommended by a relative who had also had treatment there, she contacted the International Office of the hospital directly.
The next day, after the initial MRI in Bermuda, Jane arrived at Mass General and visited Dr. Nahed in his office, who had waited to see Jane after her flight arrived from Bermuda.
Dr. Nahed’s team expedited their evaluation and obtained a high-resolution MRI to better characterize Jane’s brain tumor in preparation for her surgery. After discussing the findings with the specialist, Jane and her healthcare team agreed to proceed with brain surgery.
His neurosurgeon, Dr. Brian Nahed, and his radiation oncologist, Helen Shih, MD, medical director of the Proton Therapy Center at Mass General Cancer Center, developed a multidisciplinary plan to treat his brain tumor.
Surgery and recovery
In July, Jane underwent a successful brain surgery in which the entire tumor was removed. According to Dr. Nahed, “The surgery went extremely well, and we were able to remove the entire tumor. Patients are often surprised by how little pain or problems associated with brain surgery. Our main goal is to remove as much of the tumor as safely as possible, maximizing patient safety and mobility after surgery.”
The morning after surgery, Jane was already feeling better and seeing improvement. She remembers joking with Dr. Nahed when she came in for a post-op visit. “I will always remember the kindness and compassion of Dr. Nahed and Dr. Shih. Not only are they highly qualified professionals, but they have that innate way of making you feel like you are their only patient, which is a real gift.”
Post-surgery, Drs. Nahed and Shih reviewed Jane’s pathology and the new MRI with their colleagues on the cancer board. Mass General Brain Tumor Center (Mass General Brain Tumor Center), which is comprised of the departments of neuro-oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, and radiation-oncology.
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