Treatment of Brain Tumors in Israel

Brain tumors can be either malignant or benign. Cancerous tumors can be either primary (start within the brain) or secondary (mets of a cancer that has started somewhere else). The most common types of tumors in adults are meningiomas (which are usually benign) and astrocytomas; in children, malignant medulloblastomas are the most often seen.

Brain Tumor Symptoms and Causes

The exact cause of most brain tumors is presently unknown, however, Epstein–Barr virus, as well exposure to ionizing radiation and neurofibromatosis are all considered risk factors.

Depending on the mass’ location within the brain, symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cognitive impairment and behavioral changes
• Memory loss
• Hearing loss and speech impairment
• Loss of vision
• Hypertension and tachycardia

Sample Treatment Program

In the case brain tumor is operable, the most common procedure is craniotomy (resection of tumor), with the subsequent treatment depending on histopathology results. Usually, patients are asked to send their MRI images to the treating neurosurgeon prior to the preliminary consultation, so he can determine whether the tumor is operable.

The program will include:

• Routine blood work
• Cranial surgeon consultation
• Routine preoperative screening program (ECG, chest X-ray, anesthesiologist consultation)
• Navigational MRI scan
• Surgery – cost of procedure normally includes hospitalization (including intensive care), specialized anesthesiologist services, neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM), rapid intraoperative biopsy and conclusive histopathology

You will be required to remain in Israel for approximately two weeks following your discharge. As a rule, your treating specialist will receive the histopathology results during that period. This will allow him to decide on further course of action. Post-operative treatment will depend on the final diagnosis. It can range from monitoring (regular follow-ups), to chemo or radiotherapy. In the latter two cases, consultations with a neuro-oncologist and/or a radiologist will be scheduled.