Craniopharyngioma is a benign brain tumor 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 conducted by neurosurgeons who are among the leading specialists in this field worldwide. The treatment regimen includes modern methods of neurosurgical operations, minimally invasive endoscopic interventions, procedures using CyberKnife and Gamma Knife systems. Timely treatment provides a favorable prognosis in 93% of cases and significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
The availability 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. Using advanced instrumental diagnostic techniques, it is possible to detect the tumor, 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 medical and diagnostic procedures, and emphasize the reasonable cost of services.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor, most often located in the hypothalamic-pituitary region and developing as a result of disturbances during intrauterine development. This type of neoplasm accounts for about 2% of all brain tumors. Typically, the disease manifests in childhood, but it can be diagnosed in patients of any age group. Most often, the neoplasm contains cysts, and the fluid filling them is rich in proteins and cholesterol.
The following types of craniopharyngiomas are distinguished:
- neuroepithelial — most commonly develops in children over five years old;
- papillary — diagnosed in patients over forty years old.
The causes of the disease are 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 by pathogenic bacteria and viruses, severe forms of early toxicosis, or the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis).
Craniopharyngioma can remain asymptomatic for a long time, manifesting in the patient around 5-8 years. The first symptoms include persistent headaches that are not relieved by analgesics, neurological disorders, and endocrine disturbances. As the tumor progresses, the increasing size of the neoplasm compresses the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and visual center. Characteristic symptoms include impaired vision, insufficient growth, and obesity.
Treatment of craniopharyngioma is performed exclusively through surgical means. 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 tumor. 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 tumor is located directly in the area of the pituitary gland, Israeli neurosurgeons perform a transsphenoidal endoscopic operation, where access is gained 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 tumor is located in a hard-to-reach place or if the patient has other contraindications to surgery, a course of radiotherapy is prescribed. Radiation significantly reduces 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 developmental delays.
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 tumor with low-dose radioactive beams emanating from multiple sources. When the beams are focused on the tumor focus, the total dose is sufficient to destroy the pathological tissues. At the same time, the dose of any single beam is too low to damage normal tissues. The procedure is performed without anesthesia and does not require special recovery protocols.
Israeli clinics also employ an innovative method of draining cysts, followed by the introduction of an antibiotic preparation into the cavity, which has a destructive effect on tumor cells.
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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 entering 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 previously conducted 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 prescribed 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; it is also possible to detect the presence of calcifications in the tumor tissues and erosive foci on the walls of the neoplasm;
- CT and MRI of the brain — the most informative methods used to establish the exact location of the neoplasm, its structure, and other characteristics;
- biochemical blood test — aimed at determining the content of hormones (primarily thyroid hormones) in the blood;
- biopsy — obtaining samples of tumor tissues for histological analysis, which is necessary 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 professionals. 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. 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-tumor 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 the Israeli clinic and receive treatment from highly qualified neurosurgeons.