Wockhardt Hospitals will now offer a comprehensive Brain Tumour Programme at its super specialty hospital in Bangalore. The hospital equipped with advanced diagnostic tools for early detection of tumours and provide the latest advanced technology in brain tumour management. It will also establish a link with internationally recognized clinical leaders through the Harvard Medical Hospital, establish and maintain a brain tumour database, share knowledge with similar leading institutions in the country and create awareness among the public on the early diagnosis of brain tumour.

The launch of the Brain Tumour Programme was marked by a scientific session addressed by leading neurosurgeons in India on various aspects of neurosurgery and brain tumour.

Dr D V Rajakumar Consultant Neurosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, said, "management of brain tumours is in its early stage and detection is a big challenge. Patients are often brought in late, which increases morbidity decreasing chances of survival. Early detection is crucial. Globally, since 1974, there is a 300 per cent rise in brain tumour cases which is attributed to improved diagnosis. Brain tumours are usually prevalent in above 60 age group. The number of people diagnosed is lower in India compared to west because of less accessibility to medical care."

Advanced diagnostic equipment and surgical procedures have made the management of brain tumours much more efficient. Dr A S Hegde, Director, Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Bangalore said, "The availability of latest diagnostic equipment like CT Scan, MRI, MR Spectroscopy, PET, etc. have made brain tumour surgery efficient. With 3D imaging and brain functionality mapping, surgeons can accurately localize the surgery/treatment."

The Wockhardt Brain Tumour Programme will also provide a specialized setup for children said Dr K.N. Krishna, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals. "India has no exclusive neurological centre for children who account for one fourth of the cases. Moreover, brain tumours constitute the second most common form of childhood malignancy in children."

Dr V.K.Jain, Chief, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Chandigarh explained the complexity of conducting neurosurgeries, particularly when a tumour has to be removed. "A surgeon needs to have a proper understanding of the brain anatomy and superior skills to conduct a successful procedure. Much of his effort goes into preservation of the brain's functions during the tumour removal, ensuring that no neural tissue, artery or nerve is damaged. Though advanced technology has made it much simpler, we cannot discount the skills the surgeon possesses."

Dr. Vedantham Rajeshekar, professor and Head, Department of Neurosurgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore addressed the transition from micro-surgery to the endoscopic approach for brain tumours. Though endoscopic approach is minimally invasive, provides a panoramic view of the brain it is a preferred approach for tumours in certain areas of the brain. It is not suitable if tumours are large, and firm.

Dr Chandran Gnanamuthu, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals said the manifestation of a brain tumour is sometimes so subtle that it is difficult to detect it. "Seizure is a classical sign but not all patients have it. Symptoms of headaches and vomiting occur in some cases. quarter of patients. Subtle signs are change in behaviour and demeanour, apathy and memory loss.

Commenting on whether tumours can be missed even after a thorough investigation, Dr Raghav, Consultant Radiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals said that sometimes pseudo tumours can be taken for tumours or real tumours missed entirely. Though the level of sophistication in today's diagnostic equipment has increased a lot, some limitations still persist.