Saying “brain tumor” to anyone creates fear. But in this video Prof. Dr. A. F. M. Momtazul Haque explains that tumors come in two kinds, and the outlook depends on which one it is.
Benign tumors: a favourable outcome
A benign tumor is not cancerous. Examples are meningioma (from the covering of the brain), schwannoma and pituitary adenoma. When these are removed by microsurgery or endoscopic surgery, results are very good — a complete cure is possible.
That requires microsurgical instruments and skilled hands — and both are now available in Bangladesh. Thanks to long experience, the success rate of Bangladeshi neurosurgeons is close to, and in many areas equal to, that of the developed world.
Malignant tumors: the same everywhere
Malignant (cancer-type) tumors do not always do well after surgery — not because the operation is done in Bangladesh, but because their results are not very encouraging anywhere in the world. One example is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a glioma arising from the brain’s glial cells. After surgery it also needs radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the outlook is limited — a picture that is much the same worldwide.
The message
The outcome of an operation is decided by the nature of the tumor. If it is benign — meningioma, schwannoma or pituitary macroadenoma — results here are the same as anywhere in the world. With the latest microscopes, instruments and supportive hospitals, Bangladeshi neurosurgeons can provide world-class care, so you do not need to struggle to go abroad.
This article is for general awareness only; it is not a substitute for direct medical advice.
