Brain Tumour Surgery
A patient and family guide, Lucknow

Hearing that you or a family member has a brain tumour is frightening. Many brain tumours are benign, and many can be treated. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, neurosurgeons work with neurologists, radiologists and the cancer team to explain the diagnosis, plan surgery and arrange further treatment when needed.

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About brain tumours

What is a brain tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or near the brain. Benign (non-cancerous) tumours, such as most meningiomas and pituitary tumours, grow slowly. Malignant tumours, such as some gliomas, grow faster. Tumours can also spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere. Treatment depends on the type, size and position of the tumour and on your health.

  • MRI to show the tumour and plan surgery
  • Surgery to remove as much tumour as is safely possible
  • Biopsy when the tumour cannot be removed safely
  • Further treatment planned with the cancer team
  • Neuro-ICU care, physiotherapy and follow-up scans

Benign tumours

Often curable or controllable with surgery.

Malignant tumours

Surgery followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Surgery

To remove the tumour and relieve pressure.

Team care

Neurosurgery, oncology and rehab.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of a brain tumour

Symptoms depend on where the tumour is. See a doctor if you notice:

Headaches

New, persistent, or worse in the morning.

Seizures

A first fit in an adult.

Nausea and vomiting

Especially with headache.

Vision changes

Blurred or double vision.

Weakness or numbness

On one side of the body.

Speech problems

Difficulty finding words.

Personality or memory changes

Noticed by family.

Balance problems

Unsteadiness on walking.

A sudden severe headache, a fit, drowsiness or new weakness needs emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Tumour types

Common types of brain tumour

Tap a card to read more.

Meningioma

From the brain coverings

Nature

Usually benign and slow growing.

Treatment

Surgery, or monitoring for small tumours.

Follow-up

Regular MRI scans.

Pituitary tumour

At the base of the brain

Symptoms

Vision problems or hormone changes.

Treatment

Surgery, medicines or both, with endocrinology.

Related

Hormone care with our endocrinologists.

Endocrinology

Acoustic neuroma

On the hearing nerve

Symptoms

Hearing loss, ringing or imbalance.

Treatment

Monitoring, surgery or radiotherapy.

Related

Hearing checks with ENT.

ENT

Glioma

From the brain’s support cells

Nature

Ranges from slow growing to fast growing.

Treatment

Surgery, then radiotherapy and chemotherapy for many.

Team

Planned with the cancer team.

Oncology

Metastases

Spread from cancer elsewhere

Common sources

Lung, breast and other cancers.

Treatment

Surgery, radiotherapy or medicines, depending on the number and size.

Team

Planned with the oncologist.

Oncology

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Tests

How a brain tumour is diagnosed

Tests show the tumour’s type and position and help plan treatment.

Neurological examination

Strength, sensation, vision and balance.

MRI with contrast

The main test to see the tumour.

CT scan

Quick imaging, especially in emergencies.

Biopsy or surgery

Tissue examined to confirm the type.

Other tests

Hormone tests, eye checks or body scans when needed.

Treatment options

Tap an option to see when it is used.

Surgery

What happens around surgery

Here is what to expect.

Preparing

Medicines may be started to reduce brain swelling and prevent seizures.

Steroids to reduce swelling, if neededSeizure medicines, if neededFitness checks and consent

Bring

  • MRI and CT scans
  • List of medicines
  • A family member

Ask us about

  • Aims of surgery
  • Risks and recovery
  • Further treatment
Your journey

From diagnosis to follow-up

Step 1

Consultation

Symptoms, examination and scans reviewed.

Step 2

MRI

Detailed planning scans.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Options, risks and costs explained.

Step 4

Surgery

Craniotomy or biopsy.

Step 5

Pathology

Tumour type confirmed.

Step 6

Further care

Oncology, rehab and follow-up scans.

Recovery

Recovering after brain surgery

General guidance — always follow your neurosurgeon’s advice.

Medicines

Take steroids and seizure medicines exactly as prescribed.

Do not stop them suddenly.

Wound care

Keep the wound clean and dry until stitches are removed.

Hair washing is usually allowed after a few days, as advised.

Rest & activity

Tiredness is common for some weeks. Increase activity slowly.

Avoid driving until your doctor says it is safe.

Family support

Changes in mood or memory can happen and often improve.

Ask us about counselling and rehab.

Contact us urgently if

  • A seizure
  • Severe headache, vomiting or drowsiness
  • New weakness, speech or vision problems
  • Fever, wound redness or discharge
  • Clear fluid leaking from the wound or nose
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common worries about brain tumours

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“All brain tumours are cancer.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Many brain tumours, such as most meningiomas, are benign.

Myth

“Brain surgery always changes personality.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most people return to their usual selves. Effects depend on the tumour’s position.

Myth

“Mobile phones cause brain tumours.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Current evidence has not shown that normal mobile phone use causes brain tumours.

Myth

“Nothing can be done for a malignant tumour.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can control many tumours and improve symptoms.

Our doctors

Meet our neuro team

Neurosciences Oncology MRI & CT
Practical help

Preparing for surgery, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • MRI and CT films and reports
  • A list of all medicines
  • Previous biopsy or treatment reports
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter
  • A family member who can stay with you

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the type of surgery, the length of neuro-ICU and hospital stay, and any further treatment. Ask for a written estimate after your consultation.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is every brain tumour cancer?

No. Many brain tumours are benign. Tests after surgery or biopsy confirm the type.

Can the whole tumour be removed?

It depends on the tumour’s position. The surgeon removes as much as is safely possible.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Usually 5 to 10 days, including time in the neuro-ICU.

What are the risks?

Risks include bleeding, infection, seizures, swelling and new weakness or speech problems. Your surgeon will explain your own risk.

Will I need radiotherapy or chemotherapy?

For some tumours, yes. This is planned with the cancer team after the pathology report.

When can I go back to work?

It varies, often a few weeks to a few months.

Is brain tumour surgery covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover it for eligible patients.

How do I book?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

CraniotomyOpening the skull to operate on the brain.
BiopsyTaking a small sample of tissue.
BenignNot cancerous.
MalignantCancerous.
MeningiomaA tumour of the brain coverings.
GliomaA tumour of the brain’s support cells.
HistopathologyMicroscope examination of tissue.
OedemaSwelling of brain tissue.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Neurosciences Brain & spine surgery Cancer care MRI & CT Physiotherapy

Talk to our neurosurgeons

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Neurosciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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