Do neurosurgeons remove brain tumours?

Brain tumour surgery is a central part of what neurosurgeons do. The goal of an operation depends on the type of tumour: for some it is a complete cure, for others it is to remove as much as safely possible, and for a few it is simply to obtain tissue for diagnosis.

Not every brain tumour needs surgery. Small, slow-growing lesions in low-risk locations may be monitored with serial MRI. Others are better treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination. The decision is always taken in a multidisciplinary meeting with oncology and radiology.

When we do operate, modern tools make an enormous difference. Neuronavigation gives us a live map of the tumour and surrounding structures. Intraoperative monitoring warns us if we get too close to critical pathways. In selected cases we operate with the patient awake so we can protect speech and movement in real time.

The overwhelming majority of patients wake up neurologically the same as they went to sleep — often better, once the pressure from the tumour is relieved. Recovery, risks and long-term outcomes depend heavily on tumour type, which we will discuss in detail before you consent.