Brain, skull base and spinal cord tumours

Tumours can occur in all age groups as well as all regions of the brain, the skull and the spinal canal. The development of brain tumours is attributed to an accumulation of genetic changes (mutations), which lead to the uncontrolled growth of pathologically altered cells. Primary brain tumours occur with an incidence of 11–12/100,000/year.

In contrast to tumours in other parts of the body, brain tumours have a special feature – they affect the organ that is the centre of our perception, consciousness, thoughts, feelings and actions. By disrupting brain function or stimulating the surface of the brain, they can cause neurological deficits or seizures. The brain is surrounded by the rigid bony skull. Therefore, any space-occupying process will eventually increase intra-cranial pressure, which can be life-threatening.

At our centre, we treat all kinds of tumours. The multidisciplinary team of radiologists, oncologists and radiotherapists within the network of the Hirslanden Clinic Group endeavours to use the latest medical findings when planning treatments. We routinely consider and apply the principles of minimal invasiveness. The Hirslanden Clinic has the most modern operating theatre featuring modern endoscopic equipment as well as the possibility of computer tomography, MRI, or even angiography. This unique infrastructure guarantees maximum safety for our patients.

The following sections provide information about the most common types of tumours as well as the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of each case with a proper explanation of the special techniques used in our clinic.

» Pathologies in detail

 

Vascular diseases

Vascular neurosurgery deals with the diagnosis and treatment of acute or chronic diseases of the vessels of the brain and the spinal cord. Thanks to the considerable experience and multidisciplinary collaboration, all types of neurovascular disease can be treated at the Hirslanden Clinic. Regardless of whether a stroke or a chronic disease, individual treatment plans are created based on recognised guidelines.

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Neurovascular compression syndrome

Trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Cranial nerves project from the brain stem in the immediate vicinity of cerebral vessels and extend into the basal cerebrospinal fluid spaces. Vascular compression syndromes occur when loops of vessels exert pulsatile pressure on the nerves. The two typical forms of compression syndrome are trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is much less common.

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Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus (or the “water on the brain” disease) refers to a disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. The cerebrospinal fluid volume increases at the expense of brain volume. The imbalance between production and resorption results in malresorptive hydrocephalus. If the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the cerebral fluid chambers (ventricles) into the surrounding area is blocked, this is referred to as occlusive hydrocephalus.

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Brain cysts

Brain cysts are benign changes in the intra-cranial space. They are often detected by chance. They can exert a space occupying effect and thus cause a cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorder, seizures, or other neurological deficits.

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Degenerative spine diseases

When it comes to herniated discs, the focus is on conservative physical treatment. If the incident must be surgically treated because of refractory pain and/or paralysis, the lowest possible operational strain is crucial to minimizing post-operative recovery.

» Pathologies in detail