Craniopharyngioma is a benign brain neoplasm located in the area of the Turkish saddle. This pathology is very rare, and its successful therapy requires high skill and extensive experience from doctors. Treatment of craniopharyngioma of the brain in Israel is developed and performed by neurosurgeons who are among the leading specialists in this field worldwide. The therapy scheme includes modern methods of neurosurgical operations, minimally invasive endoscopic interventions, procedures using CyberKnife and Gamma Knife systems. Timely treatment in 93% of cases ensures a favorable prognosis and significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
The presence of modern diagnostic equipment in Israeli clinics allows for the prompt acquisition of comprehensive information necessary for accurate diagnosis and selection of effective therapeutic methods. With the help of advanced instrumental diagnostic techniques, it is possible to detect the tumour, establish its main characteristics, and conduct differential diagnosis with a number of diseases. Patient and family reviews confirm the high effectiveness of therapy, comfortable conditions for undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and highlight the reasonable cost of services.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumour, most often located in the hypothalamic-pituitary region, developing as a result of disturbances during intrauterine development. This type of neoplasm accounts for about 2% of all brain neoplasms. Typically, the disease manifests in childhood, but it can be diagnosed in patients of any age group. Most often, the neoplasm contains cysts, with the fluid filling them rich in proteins and cholesterol.
The following types of craniopharyngiomas are distinguished:
- neuroepithelial — most commonly develops in children over five years of age;
- papillary — diagnosed in patients over forty years of age.
The causes of the disease include hereditary predisposition and genetic mutations. Stimulating factors for the development of the pathology include radioactive radiation, chemical toxins, and certain medications. Craniopharyngioma can also develop due to infection of the pregnant woman with pathogenic bacteria and viruses, severe forms of early toxicosis, and the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis).
Craniopharyngioma can remain asymptomatic for a long time, manifesting in the patient around 5-8 years of age. The first symptoms include persistent headaches that are not relieved by analgesics, neurological disorders, and endocrine disturbances. As the disease progresses, the enlarging neoplasm compresses the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and visual center. Characteristic symptoms include worsening vision, insufficient growth, and obesity.
Treatment of craniopharyngioma is performed exclusively through surgery. The removal of the neoplasm alleviates the compression of the pituitary gland and restores its functional activity. The choice of surgical intervention method depends on the location and size of the tumour. In cases where the craniopharyngioma is located above the pituitary fossa, access to the pathological focus is obtained through trepanation of the skull (craniotomy). If the tumour is located directly in the area of the pituitary gland, Israeli neurosurgeons perform a transsphenoidal endoscopic operation, where access is obtained through the nasal cavity. The advantages of this method include a significant reduction in the risk of trauma and rapid recovery of the patient after the intervention.
If the tumour is located in a hard-to-reach place or if the patient has other contraindications to surgical intervention, a course of radiotherapy is prescribed. Radiation contributes to a significant reduction of the neoplasm and also prevents further progression. However, radiation therapy can cause damage to internal organs, primarily the liver, and in children, it can lead to delays in mental development.
Currently, radiotherapy is successfully replaced by progressive stereotactic radiosurgery, using CyberKnife and Gamma Knife systems. The essence of the method lies in the impact on the tumour with low-dose radioactive rays emanating from multiple sources. When the rays are focused on the tumour focus, the total dose is sufficient to destroy the pathological tissues. At the same time, the dose of any single ray is too low to damage normal tissues. The procedure is performed without anesthesia and does not require adherence to a special recovery regimen.
Innovative methods of cyst drainage are also used in Israeli clinics, followed by the introduction of an antibiotic preparation into the cavity, which has a destructive effect on tumour cells.
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The examination necessary for diagnosis and treatment program development takes, on average, three days in Israeli clinics.
After arriving in the country and being admitted to the clinic, the patient is directed to an appointment with a leading neurologist. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical history and results of previous tests, clarifies the nature of the symptoms troubling the patient. After conducting neurological and physical examinations, the neurologist compiles a list of necessary examinations.
Performing the assigned diagnostic procedures:
- X-ray examination of the skull — the images show an increase in the size of the Turkish saddle, which is one of the main signs of craniopharyngioma, and it is also possible to detect the presence of calcifications in the tumour tissues, erosive foci on the walls of the neoplasm;
- CT and MRI of the brain — the most informative methods, which establish the exact location of the neoplasm, its structure, and other features;
- biochemical blood test — aimed at determining the content of hormones in the blood (primarily thyroid hormones);
- biopsy — obtaining samples of tumour tissues for histological analysis, which is required to differentiate craniopharyngioma from other types of neoplasms in the pituitary region.
The results of the studies are reviewed by a medical council, which includes a neurologist, neurosurgeon, and specialized experts. After analyzing the data, the doctors collectively establish a diagnosis and develop a treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
Most patients are interested in the cost of therapy and its affordability for them. Treatment in Israel costs approximately 30% less than in Western European countries and allows for savings of up to 50% compared to the United States.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High effectiveness of anti-tumour treatment.
- Modern material and technical base of clinics.
- Performance of endoscopic neurosurgical operations.
- Comfortable conditions.
- Affordable prices.
Timely provision of adequate therapy contributes to improved prognosis and restoration of lost functions. Do not hesitate, contact an Israeli clinic and receive treatment from highly qualified neurosurgeons.