Neuro Oncology
Hospital in Bangalore

Neuro Oncology focuses on tumours affecting the brain, spinal cord and related nervous-system structures. Because these tumours can affect movement, speech, memory, vision and other vital functions, they require careful diagnosis and treatment planning.

Sparsh Hospital provides specialised neuro-oncology care supported by neuroscience expertise, advanced diagnostic facilities and multidisciplinary cancer services.

What is Neuro-oncology?

Neuro-oncology is a specialised area of cancer care focused on tumours involving the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. It includes primary tumours that begin in these structures and metastatic tumours that spread to the brain or spine from another part of the body.

Treatment depends on the tumour type, grade, location, size, molecular characteristics, symptoms and the patient’s overall health. Depending on these factors, treatment may involve monitoring, surgery, radiation, medicines or a combination of approaches.

What conditions does Neuro-Oncology treat?

A Neuro-Oncology department may evaluate and manage different types of brain and spinal tumours, including:

• Gliomas, including high-grade gliomas
• Meningiomas
• Pituitary tumours
• Metastatic brain tumours
• Spinal cord and spinal tumours
• Vestibular schwannomas and selected nerve tumours
• Certain paediatric brain tumours

Not all tumours are cancerous. Some, including many meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas, are benign but may still require treatment if they grow, compress important structures or cause neurological symptoms.

The treatment approach depends on the tumour’s characteristics and its effect on the patient.

What symptoms may require a Neuro-Oncology evaluation?

Symptoms depend largely on where a tumour develops and which neurological structures it affects. Symptoms that may require specialist evaluation include:

• New or worsening headaches
• Seizures
• Changes in vision or speech
• Weakness or numbness
• Problems with balance or coordination
• Memory or concentration changes
• Persistent nausea or vomiting with other neurological symptoms

These symptoms can have many causes and do not necessarily indicate a tumour. However, persistent, progressive or unexplained neurological symptoms should be medically evaluated.

How are brain and spinal tumours diagnosed?

Diagnosis generally involves neurological assessment, imaging and, when necessary, tissue and molecular testing. MRI is commonly used to provide detailed images of the brain and spine, while CT may be recommended in selected situations.

Depending on the suspected tumour, doctors may also recommend PET-CT, specialised MRI techniques, biopsy and histopathological examination. Molecular or biomarker testing can provide additional information about tumour characteristics and may help guide treatment.

At Sparsh Hospital, diagnostic facilities include 24-hour CT, MRI and catheter angiography, along with an electrophysiology lab and EEG services. The appropriate investigations depend on the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings.

What treatments are offered for Neuro Oncology conditions?

Treatment depends on the tumour type, grade, location, extent and the patient’s overall health. Options may include:

• Surgery: To remove as much of an accessible tumour as safely possible or obtain tissue for diagnosis.
• Radiation therapy: To control tumour cells after surgery or as a primary treatment for selected tumours.
• Chemotherapy: For tumours that respond to systemic medicines.
• Targeted therapy: For selected tumours with specific molecular characteristics.
• Immunotherapy: For certain cancers where it is clinically appropriate.
• Supportive and rehabilitative care: To manage symptoms and support neurological function and quality of life.

Some patients require a combination of these treatments.

What procedures are performed for brain and spinal tumours?

Procedures vary according to the tumour and its location. They may include tumour biopsy, microsurgical tumour removal, stereotactic procedures and selected minimally invasive or image-guided approaches.

Surgery may aim to remove the tumour, relieve pressure on the brain or spinal cord, reduce symptoms or obtain tissue for diagnosis. The surgical plan considers tumour control while protecting important neurological functions wherever possible.

How does advanced technology support Neuro-Oncology care at Sparsh?

Modern neuro-oncology relies on detailed imaging and neurological assessment for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Sparsh Hospital provides 24-hour CT, MRI and catheter angiography, supported by an electrophysiology lab, nerve conduction studies and needle EMG, lumbar puncture, nerve and muscle biopsy, and EEG.

These facilities can support the evaluation of neurological symptoms and related conditions. The appropriate test is selected based on the patient’s suspected diagnosis, rather than routinely using every investigation.

How does multidisciplinary care help patients with brain tumours?

Brain and spinal tumours may require input from neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, neurologists and rehabilitation specialists.

At Sparsh Hospital, oncology care follows a multidisciplinary model involving surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology and rehabilitation teams. Coordinated discussions can help specialists consider the patient’s diagnosis, imaging, pathology and treatment options together.

Where can you get Neuro Oncology care in Bangalore?

Patients searching for a Neuro-Oncology hospital near home can consider Sparsh Hospital locations across Bangalore, including Infantry Road, RR Nagar, Yelahanka, Yeswanthpur, Hennur, and Sarjapur Road. Patients should confirm the availability of the relevant neuro-oncology specialist and service at their preferred location.

Conclusion

Brain and spinal tumours require careful evaluation because their effects depend on their location, type and biological characteristics. Accurate diagnosis helps specialists determine whether monitoring, surgery, radiation, medicines or combined treatment is appropriate.

At Sparsh Hospital, patients can access specialised oncology and neuroscience care supported by 24-hour CT, MRI and catheter angiography, electrophysiology, nerve conduction studies and needle EMG, lumbar puncture, nerve and muscle biopsy, and EEG facilities. Treatment is planned according to individual clinical needs.