Understanding Brain Tumors — Types Simply Explained

There are two types of brain tumors: primary tumors (those that start in the brain tissue itself) and secondary tumors (metastases from a cancer elsewhere in the body). Treatment, prognosis and cost depend on the type, grade and site of the tumor. This is a simplified explanation of the most prevalent types that are treated in India: 

 Meningioma

Meningioma is the most frequently occurring primary brain tumour. It is caused by the protective membranes that surround the brain. Most meningiomas are non-cancerous (benign) and grow slowly. Surgery is often a cure-all treatment for many. The most critical factors are the location and size of the tumor: meningiomas located at the skull base (in close proximity to the optic nerve, brainstem or cavernous sinus) require highly specialized surgical expertise. The neurosurgeons at BLK-Max and Apollo are well-experienced in the treatment of complex meningiomas of the skull base in India. 

Glioma — Low Grade and High Grade (Glioblastoma)

Gliomas are tumors that develop from the supporting cells (glial cells) of the brain. Low grade gliomas (Grade I and II) are slow growing and may respond to surgery and possibly to monitoring. Gliomas are aggressive, especially high-grade gliomas such as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM, Grade IV). The main treatment for GBM includes a full resection of the tumour to the greatest extent possible, combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy (the Stupp protocol). The treatment protocols adopted by the oncology and neurosurgery teams of Apollo, BLK-Max and AIIMS in India are in line with international standards and the survival rates are comparable to published global data. 

 Pituitary Tumor (Adenoma)

Pituitary adenomas develop in the pituitary at the base of the brain. They can cause hormonal problems (Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, prolactinoma) or vision problems if they press on the optic chiasm. Treatment of nearly all pituitary tumors is performed endoscopically via the nose (transsphenoidal approach), without any visible scar, and with a fast recovery period. This is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures that is carried out for the international patients in India. 

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

Acoustic neuromas develop on the nerve that leads from the inner ear to the brain. They are responsible for deafness, tinnitus and loss of balance. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (no surgery, no incision) may be used to treat small tumors. There are larger tumors that will need a microsurgical removal. India’s centers focusing on treating acoustic neuroma provide both choices and the decision is made based on the size of the tumor and the preservation of hearing. 

Brain Metastases (Secondary Tumors)

Metastatic brain tumors (also known as secondary brain tumors) that are spread from other cancers, like lung, breast and kidney cancer, and melanoma, are becoming more common as people live longer with increasingly effective cancer treatments. Surgical resection of individual metastases or stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) are available in India for multiple metastases. The latter is a method where he can treat multiple brain tumors in a single sitting, without any incision. 

Brain Tumor Surgery Cost in India 2026 — Complete Price Table

The cost of treatment of brain tumour in India varies according to the type of surgery or procedure that is required. Here is a detailed price guide for all major treatment modalities offered at the partner hospitals at MediKaya in 2026. 

India vs Russia — Brain Surgery Cost Comparison 2026

Is Brain Surgery in India Safe? Success Rates Explained

The outcome of brain surgery depends on the surgeon’s experience and training, the hospital’s technology, and the post-operative neurological monitoring. India’s Top Neurosurgical Centres are high in all three aspects. 

Meningioma Outcomes

Rates of gross total resection (GTR, complete removal) reported by Indian neurosurgeons for benign meningiomas with standard craniotomy are 88-94%, which is comparable with published European and US data. The 10 year recurrence rate after complete resection is 7-12%. Surgical mortality of less than 1% is the top quality indicator for elective meningioma surgery in India’s best centres. 

GBM (Glioblastoma) Outcomes

GBM is a serious cancer and it is important to have the right communication here. The median overall survival for the international Stupp protocol (surgery, temozolomide, radiotherapy) is 14-16 months. This is a standard that is being followed by India’s best centres. Critically, molecular markers (MGMT methylation and IDH mutation status) are tested at Indian centres — these markers have a significant impact on prognosis and treatment choice and not all CIS hospitals routinely test for these markers. 

Gamma Knife and CyberKnife Outcomes

Local control rates (tumor does not grow) for meningioma Gamma Knife radiosurgery are 93-97 percent after 5 years. If acoustic neuroma SRS is less than 3cm, the 50-70% of patients can have their hearing preserved. Local control rates for brain metastases remain between 80–90% up to 1 year in Indian SRS programmes. 

Best Hospitals for Brain Tumor Treatment in India

BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

BLK-Max offers one of the modern neurosurgical programs in India with its highly qualified neurosurgeons trained in India, UK and USA. Services include: neuro-navigation guided surgery, Intraoperative MRI (one of 4 in India), Awake Craniotomy, Endoscopic surgery for the skull base, Gamma Knife radiosurgery and LINAC-based radiosurgery. MediKaya’s primary neurosurgery referral is to BLK-Max. 

Apollo Hospitals Delhi and Chennai

Apollo is India’s first JCI Accredited Hospital and has been carrying out brain tumor surgeries for more than 35 years. The Apollo brain centre has a complete multidisciplinary neuro-oncology programme consisting of tumour board meetings, molecular profiling of tumours and a comprehensive CyberKnife programme. Apollo’s Chennai campus has India’s most experienced skull base surgery programme. 

AIIMS — All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi

AIIMS Delhi is the most esteemed medical institution in India while its neurosurgery department is among the most seasoned neurosurgery departments in Asia. MediKaya occasionally facilitates consultation at AIIMS with our partner hospitals for very complex cases of rare tumor types and unusual anatomy. AIIMS has a fully functioning Gamma Knife programme and sees some 2,000 cases of brain tumour per annum. 

Step-by-Step Patient Journey for Brain Tumor Treatment

Step 1 — Send Your Reports for Free Neurosurgeon Second Opinion

Please send the following via WhatsApp +91 9717998697: MRI brain with contrast (DICOM preferred; clear pictures of printout films also accepted), MRI spectroscopy if available, biopsy/histopathology report if surgery has been done elsewhere, blood reports and a short history of symptoms and timeline. MediKaya arranges for a review by a top neurosurgeon within 24-48 hours from BLK-Max or Apollo and provides a written opinion along with a treatment recommendation and a cost estimate. 

Step 2 — Multidisciplinary Tumour Board Review in India

MediKaya arranges a virtual pre-arrival tumour board consultation, where the case is discussed as a team by neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist and neuroradiologist (all specialists involved in the care of patients with brain tumors) in the case of brain tumor cases. This is typical at BLK-Max and Apollo and guarantees the treatment plan is detailed from the start before the patient even arrives. This discussion leads to India trip planning based on decision: Surgery first or radiosurgery or biopsy + oncology first. 

Step 3 — Arrival, Surgery, and Post-operative Monitoring

Brain tumor surgery patients come to Delhi 1–2 days prior to surgery for final pre-operative evaluation. The patient is observed in the Neuro-ICU for 2-5 days after the surgery and is subsequently transferred to the ward for another 2-5 days of recovery. Ward stay lasts for 5–10 days. Physiotherapy and speech therapy (where necessary, language/motor involvement) starts from the time of admission to the hospital. Discharge with full medical records, histopathology, post-operative MRI and a clear plan for next step. 

Continuing Treatment — Radiation and Chemotherapy Coordination

MediKaya arranges the entire treatment process for patients in India who need post-surgical radiation therapy or chemotherapy. On the contrary, when patients are discharged at home following surgery and they want to undergo chemotherapy at home, then MediKaya sends a detailed treatment protocol letter, which can be followed by the Indian team of oncologists. 

Frequently Asked Questions — Brain Tumor Treatment in India

Q: Can all brain tumors be operated in India?

A: India’s neurosurgeons treat all primary brain tumor types including glioblastoma, meningioma, acoustic neuroma, pituitary adenoma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma, as well as brain metastases. Complex skull base and brainstem tumors, including petroclival meningiomas and brainstem gliomas, are also operated at specialised centres. The type and location of tumor determines the approach — not all tumors require open surgery.

Q: What is the success rate of brain tumor surgery in India?

A: Success rates vary by tumor type. For benign meningioma: gross total resection in 88–94% of accessible tumors with less than 1% surgical mortality. For pituitary adenoma: surgical cure of hormone-secreting tumors in 70–85% of cases. For GBM: surgery + chemo-radiation achieves median survival of 14–16 months, consistent with international data. Acoustic neuroma radiosurgery: 93–97% tumor control at 5 years.

Q: Is Gamma Knife surgery available in India?

A: Yes. Gamma Knife (Leksell), CyberKnife, and LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery are available at BLK-Max, Apollo, Fortis, and Medanta. For single brain metastases or acoustic neuromas under 3cm, Gamma Knife avoids open surgery entirely — the patient is treated as an outpatient and can fly home within 2–3 days.

Q: How long do I need to stay in India for brain surgery?

A: Standard craniotomy for meningioma or glioma requires 12–18 days in India: 1–2 days pre-op assessment + 2–5 days Neuro-ICU + 6–10 days ward + 2–3 days post-discharge recovery. Gamma Knife radiosurgery patients typically stay 3–5 days total.

Q: Can I send my MRI for a second opinion before travelling?

A: The 12-18 day patient stay for Standard craniotomy for meningioma/glioma in India includes 1-2 days for pre-op evaluation + 2-5 days for Neuro-ICU + 6-10 days for ward stay, and 2-3 days for post-discharge recovery. Patients receiving Gamma Knife radiosurgery usually remain in the hospital for 3-5 days. 

Q: Is brain surgery safe for children in India?

A: Yes. BLK-Max and Apollo have specialized pediatric neurosurgery programs with skilled pediatric neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists. Special treatment protocols for children with brain tumors are available, such as medulloblastoma, ependymoma and optic glioma. MediKaya has been involved in organising pediatric brain tumour cases for countries in CIS and is aware of the extra support families require.