What Are the Risks of Brain Cancer Surgery?
Brain cancer surgery – like any other form of brain cancer treatment – can have side effects and complications. Many people who have brain surgery recover quickly, although some people do experience side effects. These complications can range from mild to significant.
While your treatment team won’t recommend brain cancer surgery unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, you still should understand what risks are associated with your procedure before moving forward.
The most common complications of brain cancer surgery
Some procedures are generally considered riskier than others. Minimally invasive surgery, for instance, is typically associated with a lower risk of infection than traditional surgery. However, the potential risks of any type of surgical brain cancer treatment include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding in the brain
- Infection
- An allergic reaction to the anesthesia medications
- Blood clots
- Impaired memory or motor skills
- Seizures
Factors that can influence your surgical outcome
Your surgical outcome will be impacted by several individual factors. The position of your tumor, your age and your overall health can all influence your experience. While it’s not possible to predict the outcome of a procedure before it is performed, your surgeon can help you understand what could potentially occur prior to treatment.
The expertise of your surgeon can also influence the outcome of your procedure. Surgeons who specialize in brain cancer surgery are more likely to be familiar with the most effective techniques, in turn increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. When choosing a surgeon, you may find it helpful to ask about his or her professional experience and patient outcomes.
A decision to undergo brain cancer surgery is a significant one, and nobody understands that better than Moffitt Cancer Center. If you’d like to consult with one of our experienced neurosurgeons regarding the potential risks and benefits of surgical treatment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online to request an appointment. You do not need a physician’s referral to do so.