Successful Removal of Low-Grade Glioma in 11-Year-Old Girl Using Advanced Navigation Protocol

Press Release, Aug 23, 2024, 3:02 PM IST

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Sneha (name changed), a 11-year-old girl, who had been experiencing persistent headaches and difficulties in school performance, was recently diagnosed and successfully treated for a low-grade glioma in the frontal region of his brain at Manipal Hospital Hebbal. This case underscores the importance of advanced medical technology and prompt intervention in managing brain tumors in children.

The Road to Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

The young patient had been experiencing recurring symptoms such as headaches and general discomfort for several years. Additionally, their school performance had declined, raising concerns about a possible neurological issue. According to Dr Sampangi Raghu Ram Raj, Visiting Consultant- Neurosurgeon, Manipal Hospital, Hebbal, the treating doctor, these symptoms, coupled with the tumor’s location in the brain’s frontal region, led to the suspicion of a lesion. An MRI confirmed the suspicion when it revealed a tiny tumour in the frontal region, suggestive of a low-grade glioma. Since the tumour was in proximity to critical brain regions responsible for motor functions, speech, facial expression, and sensory perception, precision in treatment was paramount.

Sneha underwent Navigation guided excision biopsy of right frontal cortical tumour on June 29, 2024. The surgical team led by Dr. Sampangi Raghu Ram, employed a state-of-the-art navigation protocol to precisely excise the tumour. This technique involved the use of pre-recorded MRI images to demarcate the precise location of the tumour, ensuring that only the tumour tissue was removed without affecting the surrounding crucial areas.

Explaining about the complexity of tumour excision, Dr. Sampangi Raghu Ram said, “The precision had to be like to the boundary of the tumor only. We could not overstep from the tumour margins. The use of advanced navigation technology allowed us team to perform the excision with remarkable accuracy.”

“In my experience, I have seen brain tumours in children of age 1 year to 17 years. Most of them present with tumours of cerebellum and brainstem (deeper areas of brain). It is not so often that we come across tumours of the frontal cerebral cortex in children. When they do present, we have to meticulously treat it given the nature of important structures in the vicinity of tumour,” added, Dr. Sampangi Raghu Ram.

Post-Surgical Outcome and Prognosis

The surgery was a success, with the patient showing no deficits post-operation and a remarkable recovery. As per excision biopsy histopathological reports the medical team is hopeful of an excellent prognosis with minimal to nil chances of recurrence.

Sneha is doing fine post operatively. She is all set to resume her classes from 15th July.

Experts Comments

Brain tumours, although not uncommon in children, can be aggressive when they occur. Dr. Sampangi Raghu Ram highlights the importance of early detection of brain tumours. He urges parents to be vigilant for symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision issues, decreased attention span, and a sudden drop in school performance and consultant with a neurologist or neurosurgeon, who may recommend further imaging such as an MRI if necessary. The doctor also adds that these symptoms do not always indicate a brain tumour they may also be indicative of conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is also treatable, it is essential not to ignore potential warning signs of a more serious underlying issue.

Take Home Message – Hope and Advancements in Treatment

The successful treatment of this young patient highlights the advancements in brain tumour management. Most brain tumours, when detected early, are treatable and even curable. Modern surgical techniques and medical technology have made it possible to achieve excellent outcomes, allowing patients to lead disease-free lives. Dr. Sampangi Raghu Ram, says “All is not over if it’s a brain tumour. With the current advancements in medical technology and instrumentation, brain tumours are completely treatable and curable. The precision of surgery has improved significantly and disease-free survival can be significantly prolonged, allowing patients to lead a normal life.”