Brain Tumor Treatment & Surgery in Mumbai

The first thing I would like you to know is that not every brain tumor is cancerous, and not every brain tumor requires surgery. Some tumors can be monitored for years, while others respond well to medicines.

At Synapse Neuro & Spine, Mumbai, we take the time to review your reports, explain what your diagnosis means and discuss the treatment options available to you.

As a brain tumor surgeon in Mumbai, my responsibility is not simply to operate on a tumor. It is to determine whether surgery is necessary and what treatment is most appropriate for you.

Let me answer some of the questions you may have after receiving your diagnosis.

It is natural to feel worried when your MRI report mentions a brain tumor. However, the word “tumor” alone does not tell us how serious your condition is.

A brain tumor is a growth of abnormal cells inside the skull. It may develop from brain tissue, the protective coverings of the brain, nerves or glands such as the pituitary gland.

Because the skull has limited space, a growing tumor may press against surrounding brain structures. This pressure can cause headaches, seizures, weakness, difficulty speaking or changes in vision.

Some tumors grow very slowly and may remain stable for several years. Others require earlier treatment because of their location, growth pattern or effect on neurological functions.

When you bring your MRI to me at Synapse Neuro & Spine, I look at more than the size of the tumor. I want to know how it is affecting you and whether it is likely to cause problems in the future.

No. Many patients immediately associate a brain tumor with cancer, but there are important differences between tumor types. Brain tumors are broadly classified into two categories:

• Benign brain tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that generally grow slowly. They may still require treatment if they press against important brain structures.
• Malignant brain tumors: Cancerous tumors that may grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue. They often require specialised treatment involving surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Brain tumors can also be classified as primary tumors, which originate within the brain or associated structures, and secondary tumors, which develop when cancer spreads from another part of the body.

Some of the common brain tumors we evaluate include:

• Meningioma: Develops from the protective coverings of the brain. Many are non-cancerous and slow-growing. Read more about meningioma treatment.
• Glioma and glioblastoma: Develop from glial cells and range from slower-growing tumors to highly aggressive cancers.
• Pituitary adenoma: Develops in the hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain and may affect vision and hormone levels.
• Schwannoma: Develops from the covering of a nerve and may affect hearing, balance or other neurological functions.
• Brain metastases: Develop when cancer spreads to the brain from another organ.
• Medulloblastoma: A malignant brain tumor that occurs more commonly in children.

Each of these tumors requires a different treatment approach. Identifying the exact type of tumor is therefore an important first step in planning your brain tumor treatment in Mumbai.

An MRI gives us valuable information about the location, size and appearance of a brain tumor. However, it may not always tell us exactly what kind of tumor you have.

Before recommending brain tumor surgery, I review your symptoms, neurological examination, previous medical history and imaging findings. Depending on your condition, additional investigations may include:

• MRI brain with contrast: Provides detailed images of the tumor and surrounding structures.
• CT scan: Particularly useful in emergency situations.
• Functional MRI and tractography: Help identify important areas involved in speech and movement before surgery.
• Neurological examination: Assesses your strength, sensation, vision, speech and balance.
• Hormonal blood tests: Particularly important when a pituitary tumor is suspected.
• Stereotactic brain biopsy: Obtains a small tissue sample to identify the exact tumor type when necessary.

At Synapse Neuro & Spine, Mumbai, we aim to complete the relevant investigations before making a major treatment decision.

Sometimes, a simple blood test can reveal that a tumor initially thought to require surgery can be treated differently.

Yes, in certain situations. One of the most common questions patients ask me is whether they can avoid an operation. The answer depends on the type of tumor, its location, your symptoms and how the tumor is behaving.

Can We Simply Monitor My Brain Tumor?

Small, stable tumors that are not causing significant symptoms may only require regular MRI scans and neurological examinations.

Can Medicines Shrink My Brain Tumor?

Certain pituitary tumors, particularly prolactinomas, can respond well to medication and may shrink considerably without surgery.

Can Radiation Be Used Instead of Surgery?

Selected tumors may be treated with radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery, either instead of surgery or following an operation.

When Would Surgery Become Necessary?

Surgery may be recommended when a tumor is growing, causing significant pressure on the brain, affecting neurological functions or when tissue is needed to establish a diagnosis. Certain malignant tumors may also require chemotherapy or targeted treatment.

For complex cases, treatment planning may involve neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists.

The objective of brain tumor treatment without surgery, whenever appropriate, is to control the condition while avoiding an unnecessary operation.

Patients often bring their MRI reports and ask me, “My tumor is four centimetres. Is that dangerous?” Tumor size is important, but it does not determine the treatment on its own. I also consider:

• Location: A small tumor near the brainstem or an area controlling movement may be more challenging than a larger tumor elsewhere.
• Tumor type: Meningiomas, gliomas and pituitary tumors behave differently.
• Symptoms: Worsening weakness, vision loss or increasing drowsiness may require earlier intervention.
• Overall health: Your general fitness influences the risks associated with surgery and recovery.
• Response to treatment: Certain tumors can shrink significantly with appropriate medicines.

The timing of surgery is an important part of treatment planning. In some situations, waiting for additional investigations can help us choose a more appropriate treatment. In others, delaying surgery could result in permanent neurological damage.

For example, a stable, slow-growing tumor may allow us time for further evaluation. However, a tumor causing rapidly worsening weakness or increasing pressure inside the skull may require urgent treatment.

Two patients with similarly sized brain tumors can therefore have completely different treatment plans. At Synapse Neuro & Spine, we explain why treatment is recommended at a particular time and what risks may be associated with waiting.

Patients and their families naturally want the entire tumor to be removed. However, complete removal is not always the safest option.

Some brain tumors grow close to important blood vessels, nerves or areas responsible for speech, movement, vision and memory. Attempting to remove every part of such a tumor may result in permanent neurological damage.

In these situations, we may deliberately leave a portion of the tumor behind to protect important brain functions. This approach is called maximal safe resection. Depending on the tumor type, the remaining portion may subsequently be treated with radiotherapy, medicines or regular monitoring.

Before surgery, I discuss these possibilities with patients and their families.

The purpose of brain tumor surgery in Mumbai is not simply to achieve complete removal on a postoperative MRI. It is also to preserve the neurological functions that allow you to communicate, move and live independently.

Modern neurosurgical techniques allow us to operate with greater precision around delicate brain structures. Depending on your tumor, we may consider:

• Microneurosurgery: Uses a high-powered microscope and specialised instruments to operate around delicate brain structures.
• Neuronavigation: Works like a GPS for the brain, helping the surgeon locate the tumor using imaging information.
• Endoscopic brain surgery: Uses a thin camera and specialised instruments to reach selected tumors through smaller surgical pathways.
• Awake craniotomy: Allows us to assess speech or movement during selected brain tumor operations.
• Intraoperative neuromonitoring: Helps monitor important neurological pathways during surgery.
• Stereotactic brain biopsy: Obtains a tissue sample through a small opening when tumor identification is required.

Many pituitary tumors can be approached through the nose using endoscopic techniques.

Will I Be Awake During My Brain Surgery?

Most brain tumor operations are performed under general anaesthesia. However, if your tumor is located close to areas controlling speech or other important functions, an awake craniotomy may be considered.

During selected parts of the operation, you may be awake and comfortable enough to respond to simple questions or perform certain tasks. This helps the surgical team assess important brain functions while operating.

Not every patient requires this procedure. At Synapse Neuro & Spine, we select the surgical technique according to the location and characteristics of your tumor.

It is common for patients and families to worry about what happens immediately after brain surgery. Will I be able to speak? Will I recognise my family? When can I walk? How long will I need to stay in hospital?

Recovery depends on the tumor, the operation and your neurological condition before surgery.

What Can My Family and I Expect During the First 24 Hours?

You may be monitored in an intensive care unit or high-dependency unit. The medical team regularly checks your alertness, speech, eye movements and limb strength. Headaches, nausea, tiredness and mild confusion may occur. A postoperative scan may also be performed.

Will I Be Able to Walk After Two or Three Days?

Between 24 and 48 hours, monitoring continues along with pain management, wound care and other necessary treatment. Depending on your condition, you may begin sitting up and moving with assistance.

Between 48 and 72 hours, many patients gradually begin walking, eating normally and participating in rehabilitation. Some patients require additional time and neurological monitoring.

When Can I Return to Work and My Everyday Activities?

Your recovery plan depends on the type of surgery performed and how your neurological functions recover. Some patients return to everyday activities within weeks, while others require several months of rehabilitation. You may benefit from:

• Physiotherapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Speech therapy.
• Regular neurological examinations.
• Follow-up MRI scans.
• Additional treatment based on the final biopsy report.

At Synapse Neuro & Spine, Mumbai, we discuss your recovery expectations and follow-up requirements before discharge.

Contact your doctor or visit a hospital urgently if you develop new weakness, increasing drowsiness, repeated seizures, sudden speech or vision changes, severe worsening headaches or persistent vomiting.

Yes. Many patients visit me after receiving a recommendation for brain surgery elsewhere. Some are uncertain whether an operation is necessary. Others want to know whether a different surgical approach or non-surgical treatment is possible.

During a second opinion for brain tumor surgery in Mumbai, I review:

• Your existing MRI and CT scans.
• The suspected tumor type.
• Your current neurological symptoms.
• Previous treatment recommendations.
• Additional investigations that may be necessary.
• The potential benefits and risks of surgery.
• Alternative treatment options, where appropriate.

A second opinion does not necessarily mean that the original recommendation will change. Sometimes, it confirms that surgery is the appropriate treatment. In other situations, additional investigations may reveal another option. The purpose is to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

However, if your condition requires emergency intervention, treatment should not be delayed while obtaining another opinion.

You do not need to arrive at your appointment knowing whether you require surgery. That is something we will discuss together. When you consult me at Synapse Neuro & Spine, we follow a structured approach.

Our aim is for you and your family to leave the consultation with a clear explanation of your condition and a treatment plan that you can understand.

What should I bring to my appointment? Please bring your MRI or CT images, radiology reports, blood test results, previous prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries.

Receiving a brain tumor diagnosis can leave you with many unanswered questions. You may be worried about your family, your profession, your independence or whether you will be able to return to your normal life.

At Synapse Neuro & Spine, Mumbai, we take the time to discuss these concerns, review your investigations and explain what each treatment option means for you.

Sometimes, surgery is necessary. Sometimes, medicines or regular monitoring may be more appropriate. What matters is choosing a treatment based on your diagnosis, symptoms and individual circumstances.

Whether you have recently received your MRI report, been advised surgery or would like a second opinion, consult Dr. Anuj Bhide, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Brain Tumor Surgeon in Mumbai, to discuss your condition and available treatment options.

Book Your Consultation at Synapse Neuro & Spine

Call: +91 74998 98303 | +91 93211 24611 | +91 81496 86139
Book an appointment: www.synapsespine.in/contact-us
Consultation locations: Andheri East, Andheri West and Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital, Vile Parle West, Mumbai.

Meet Your Neurosurgeon – Dr. Anuj Bhide

Dr. Anuj Bhide is a Consultant Neurosurgeon at Synapse Neuro & Spine, Mumbai, with over nine years of experience in brain and spine surgery. His areas of expertise include brain tumor surgery, endoscopic brain surgery, skull base surgery and complex brain aneurysm surgery.

He holds MBBS, MS (General Surgery) and MCh Neurosurgery qualifications and completed a fellowship in Skull Base and Vascular Surgery at Fujita Health University, Japan. He was a gold medalist at Grant Medical College and J J Hospitals, Mumbai, and previously served as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the same institution.

Since August 2026, he has been Principal Consultant, Neurosurgery, at Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital, Mumbai.

Medical Disclaimer: This page provides general medical information and does not replace an individual consultation with a qualified doctor. Patient details have been changed to protect privacy. Individual treatment outcomes may vary. In case of emergency neurological symptoms, visit the nearest emergency department immediately.