Astrocytoma Treatment in India

Astrocytomas are tumors that primarily form in the brain, but can also develop in the spinal cord, posing significant health challenges.

These tumors often appear randomly, yet modern medicine offers diverse treatment options tailored to the tumor type and location, giving hope to patients.

Surgery is the first option for any, aiming to remove as much tumor as possible while preserving function, with additional therapies enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Dive into this article to uncover the latest astrocytoma treatment strategies and key factors influencing care decisions, empowering you with essential information for managing this condition.

Why is Astrocytoma Treatment Done?

Astrocytoma treatment is essential for managing tumors that develop in the central nervous system (CNS) from star-shaped astrocyte cells. 

Astrocytomas can be benign or malignant and usually develop in the brain but can also appear in the spinal cord, yet treatment is crucial to control the tumor's growth and to alleviate symptoms.

How is Astrocytoma Treatment Performed?

Your healthcare providers will make your treatment plan based on the type of astrocytoma you have, its location, how fast it is growing and your symptoms, treatment options include:

• Surgery: This is often the first step to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In cases where the tumor is inoperable due to its location (such as gliomas in sensitive areas), surgery might not be feasible. However, surgery can sometimes cure grade 1 tumors.
• Radiation Therapy: This is used when surgery cannot remove the entire tumor or when there is uncertainty about whether all cancerous cells have been eliminated.
• Chemotherapy: Typically used for high-grade tumors such as glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. Chemotherapy can be administered before or after radiation. Additionally, chemotherapy wafers may be implanted during surgery.
• Targeted Therapy: A newer treatment option aimed at shrinking tumors by targeting specific cancer cell processes. It differs from traditional chemotherapy in its approach.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

• Neurological Exam
• Imaging tests such as MRI, CT, scan, and PET.
• Sample testing tissue (biopsy)

Who are the Candidates?

Patients with tumors that have developed in the CNS from astrocyte cells are considered candidates for astrocytoma treatment. 

The treatment plan is determined based on the type of astrocytoma, its location, growth rate, and the patient’s symptoms.

List of Best Hospitals for Astrocytomas in India

• Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
• Amrita Hospital, Kochi
• Medanta - The Medicity Hospital
• Moolchand Kharaiti Ram Hospital
• KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Vijaya Hospital, Chennai
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
• Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata
• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

List of Best Doctors for Astrocytomas in India

• Dr. Ravi Bhatia
• Dr. A. K. Banerji
• Dr. Prakash Singh
• Dr. Sanjeev Dua
• Dr. V. S. Mehta
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• Dr. Sogani Shani Kumar
• Dr. Amitabh Goel
• Dr. Rana Patir
• Dr. V. P. Singh

Conclusion

Astrocytoma treatment is essential for patients with tumors in the CNS. There are various treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, each tailored to shrink or remove the tumor. Comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation help surgeons determine the most effective treatment strategy.