Introduction
A brain tumour diagnosis is among the most distressing a patient and their family can receive. The brain is the body’s most complex organ, and any condition affecting it raises immediate and serious questions about treatment, recovery, and quality of life.
For Sri Lankan patients, brain tumour treatment in India offers access to specialist neurosurgical and neuro-oncology teams, advanced surgical technology, and radiation techniques that may not be widely available locally. This guide explains the types of brain tumours treated, the surgical and radiation options available, and how Sri Lankan patients can access care at Amrita Hospitals.
What Is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the surrounding structures, including the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain), the cranial nerves, and the pituitary gland.
Brain tumours are classified as:
- Primary brain tumours – originating within the brain itself
- Secondary (metastatic) brain tumours – cancers that have spread to the brain from another part of the body, such as the lung, breast, or colon
They are further classified as benign (non-cancerous, slow-growing, and less likely to invade surrounding tissue) or malignant (cancerous, fast-growing, and capable of invading normal brain tissue).
The grade of a brain tumour – from Grade I (least aggressive) to Grade IV (most aggressive) – guides the urgency and nature of treatment.
What Types of Brain Tumours Are Treated in India?
Brain tumour treatment in India at a specialist centre covers the full range of tumour types, including:
- Gliomas – including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumour
- Meningiomas – tumours arising from the meninges, often benign but capable of causing significant pressure on the brain
- Pituitary adenomas – tumours of the pituitary gland, which can affect hormone regulation
- Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas) – benign tumours affecting the hearing and balance nerve
- Medulloblastomas – a type of brain tumour more common in children
- Craniopharyngiomas – tumours near the pituitary gland, more common in children and older adults
- Ependymomas – tumours arising from the cells lining the brain’s ventricles
- Brain metastases – secondary tumours that have spread from cancers elsewhere in the body
Each tumour type behaves differently and requires a tailored treatment approach determined by the neurosurgical and oncology team.
How Is a Brain Tumour Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a brain tumour typically involves a combination of imaging and tissue analysis:
- MRI of the brain – the primary imaging tool, providing detailed views of tumour size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures. MRI with contrast (gadolinium) is typically used
- CT scan – used in urgent situations and to assess for calcification or bleeding within the tumour
- MR spectroscopy and perfusion MRI – advanced imaging techniques that help characterise the tumour’s metabolic activity and blood supply
- Biopsy – a tissue sample is taken (either during surgery or via a stereotactic needle procedure) to confirm the tumour type and grade under microscopy
- Molecular and genetic testing – increasingly used in brain tumour pathology to guide targeted treatment decisions, particularly for gliomas
Sri Lankan patients who already have MRI reports or biopsy results can share these with Amrita Info Centre Sri Lanka for initial remote review by the neurosurgical team before travelling.
What Surgical Options Are Available for Brain Tumours?
Surgery is the primary treatment for most accessible brain tumours. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible – a concept called maximal safe resection – while preserving the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Craniotomy The most common form of brain tumour surgery. A section of the skull is temporarily removed to allow the surgeon access to the tumour. Advanced intraoperative tools used at Amrita Hospitals include:
- Intraoperative MRI – allowing the surgeon to assess the extent of tumour removal in real time during the procedure
- Fluorescence-guided surgery (5-ALA) – a technique where tumour cells are made to glow under specific light, improving the surgeon’s ability to distinguish tumour from healthy tissue
- Neuronavigation – a GPS-like system that maps the tumour’s exact position relative to critical brain structures
Awake Craniotomy For tumours located near areas of the brain responsible for speech or movement, surgery may be performed with the patient conscious during part of the procedure. This allows the surgical team to monitor neurological function in real time and minimise the risk of post-operative deficits.
Endoscopic Brain Surgery Minimally invasive approach used for certain tumour types, including pituitary adenomas. A thin camera is inserted through the nostril or a small incision, reducing the need for open craniotomy.
Stereotactic Biopsy When a tumour is located in a region where open surgery carries significant risk, a needle biopsy guided by imaging may be performed to obtain tissue for diagnosis without full surgical resection.
What Radiation Treatments Are Used for Brain Tumours?
Radiation therapy plays a central role in brain tumour treatment in India, either following surgery, as a standalone treatment, or in combination with chemotherapy.
Conventional External Beam Radiation Therapy Delivered over multiple sessions (fractions), typically over 4 to 6 weeks. Used for gliomas and other malignant brain tumours following surgery.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Despite the name, this is not surgery – it is a highly precise form of radiation that delivers a large, focused dose to the tumour in a single or small number of sessions, while minimising exposure to surrounding tissue. It is used for:
- Brain metastases
- Acoustic neuromas
- Meningiomas
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Recurrent or residual tumours after conventional radiation
Amrita Hospitals operates CyberKnife and Tomotherapy systems for high-precision radiation delivery – technologies that allow tight targeting of tumour tissue with minimal impact on adjacent brain structures.
Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT) Used when multiple brain metastases are present and localised treatment is not feasible. Less commonly used now due to cognitive side effects, but still indicated in selected cases.
Radiation with Concurrent Chemotherapy (Chemoradiation) For high-grade gliomas such as glioblastoma, radiation is typically combined with temozolomide chemotherapy as part of the standard post-surgical treatment protocol.
You can read more about the range of cancer treatment technologies available at Amrita Hospitals in our article on Cancer Treatment in India for Sri Lankan Patients: Costs, Hospitals, and Success Rates.
When Is Surgery Recommended Over Radiation?
The choice between surgery and radiation – or a combination of both – depends on several factors:
- Tumour location – tumours in accessible areas are more amenable to surgical removal; those near critical structures may be better treated with radiosurgery
- Tumour type and grade – high-grade malignant tumours typically require surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy; benign tumours may be monitored or treated with radiosurgery alone
- Tumour size – larger tumours causing significant pressure or neurological symptoms often require surgical decompression
- Patient’s overall health – fitness for general anaesthesia is assessed before recommending open surgery
- Prior treatment history – patients who have previously received radiation may not be candidates for further radiation to the same area
In many cases, a combination approach is used. Surgery removes the bulk of the tumour, and radiation addresses any residual cells and reduces the risk of recurrence.
What Is Recovery Like After Brain Tumour Treatment?
Recovery depends significantly on the type of treatment received, the tumour’s location, and the patient’s neurological status before treatment.
After Surgery
- Most patients spend 1 to 3 days in the ICU immediately following craniotomy
- Total hospital stay is typically 7 to 14 days
- Neurological symptoms such as weakness, speech difficulties, or cognitive changes may occur temporarily and often improve with rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy may be part of the recovery programme
- Steroid medication is used to manage brain swelling around the surgical site
After Radiation
- Fatigue is the most common side effect during and after a radiation course
- Hair loss in the treated area may occur with conventional radiation
- Cognitive effects can occur, particularly after whole brain radiation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery typically causes fewer immediate side effects than conventional radiation
Long-Term Follow-Up
- Regular MRI scans are required to monitor for recurrence or treatment response
- Neuropsychological assessment may be recommended for patients who have undergone treatment near cognitive or language areas
- For Sri Lankan patients who have returned home, follow-up MRI reports can be reviewed remotely by the Amrita neurosurgical team
Why Do Sri Lankan Patients Choose India for Brain Tumour Treatment?
- Specialist neurosurgical centres with experience in complex brain tumour resection, including tumours near eloquent brain areas
- Access to advanced intraoperative technology – including intraoperative MRI, fluorescence-guided surgery, and neuronavigation – that improves surgical outcomes
- High-precision radiation systems such as CyberKnife and Tomotherapy, available at Amrita Hospitals
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review – neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and neuropathologists assess each case collectively
- Amrita Hospitals’ specific achievements in neurosurgery – including being Asia Pacific’s pioneer in ROSA robotic-assisted neurosurgeries
To understand the full scope of neurosurgical and neurological care available, you are welcome to explore the neurosciences and brain treatment specialities at Amrita Hospitals.
How Do Sri Lankan Patients Access Brain Tumour Treatment in India?
- Gather your existing reports – MRI scans, biopsy results, and any specialist letters from Sri Lanka
- Share these with Amrita Info Centre Sri Lanka for forwarding to the neurosurgical team
- Receive an initial clinical assessment and recommended treatment pathway
- Confirm your appointment and treatment schedule
- Apply for your medical visa with support from our team
For detailed guidance on the visa process, our article on the Complete Guide to Medical Visa for India from Sri Lanka covers every step from documentation to collection.
To begin the process without obligation, submit an enquiry through our contact page and our team will respond with clear next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can brain tumours be treated without surgery? Yes. Small benign tumours, brain metastases, and certain other tumour types can be treated effectively with stereotactic radiosurgery such as CyberKnife, without the need for open surgery. Suitability depends on the tumour type, size, and location.
Is brain surgery safe? Brain surgery carries risks, as with any major surgical procedure. However, the use of advanced intraoperative technology – including neuronavigation and intraoperative MRI – has significantly improved the safety and precision of brain tumour surgery at specialist centres. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks relevant to your case before any procedure.
How long will I need to stay in India for brain tumour treatment? For surgery alone, a stay of approximately 2 to 3 weeks is typically required. For surgery followed by radiation, the total duration may extend to 6 to 8 weeks. This depends on the treatment plan recommended for your specific case.
Can I share my MRI scans before travelling? Yes. MRI images and reports can be shared digitally with Amrita Info Centre Sri Lanka for an initial remote review by the neurosurgical team. This allows for preliminary assessment and helps determine the most efficient treatment pathway before you travel.
What if the tumour cannot be fully removed? In some cases, complete removal is not possible without unacceptable risk to neurological function. In these situations, partial resection combined with radiation and chemotherapy is used. The goal is to control tumour growth and preserve quality of life as effectively as possible.
Are paediatric brain tumours treated at Amrita Hospitals? Yes. Amrita Hospitals has dedicated paediatric neurosurgery capability. Children with brain tumours are managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes paediatric neurosurgeons, paediatric oncologists, and neuropsychologists.
Conclusion
Brain tumour treatment in India brings together surgical expertise, advanced intraoperative technology, and high-precision radiation systems under one specialist roof. For Sri Lankan patients facing this diagnosis, access to this level of care – supported by dedicated patient coordination from Amrita Info Centre Sri Lanka – represents a clear and well-structured pathway.
The most important step is to share your reports and receive a clinical assessment. That process can begin today, without travel and without obligation.