Affordable World-class Treatment - Accredited Hospitals - Free Treatment Plan in 24 Hrs
Share your details to receive a personalised treatment plan, estimated costs, hospital recommendations, and expert guidance, “completely free.”
Your information is protected with HIPAA-compliant security standards. We only share your details with hospitals after your consent.
| City | Cost (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | $10,000 – $50,000 | Explore More |
| Johannesburg | $10,000 – $50,000 | Explore More |
Our dedicated Medical Patient Advisors are here to answer your questions, help you compare treatment options, estimate costs, and guide you through every step of your healthcare journey.
The term "brain cancer" describes the abnormal development of brain cells that result in a mass or tumor. It can interfere with normal brain functions such as speech, movement, thoughts, feelings, memory, vision, and hearing. It is a disease of the brain in which abnormal, cancerous cells grow in the brain tissues. Typically, brain cancer is a developed form of a brain tumor. Primary brain cancer or a brain tumor develops from cells within the brain.
However, all brain tumors are not brain cancer. But one thing to note is that even benign tumors can cause serious problems by increasing intracranial pressure or obstructing vascular structures or cerebrospinal fluid flow in the brain.
Different types of cells in the brain such as gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal (medulloblastomas) can become cancerous. Gliomas have several subtypes, which include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and choroid plexus papillomas.
Brain Cancer Causes
The exact brain cancer cause is still unknown. However, its occurrence has been linked to several risk factors, including the following:
There are two types of brain cancer, including:
Metastatic cancer in the brain is more common than primary brain cancer. They are usually named after the tissue or organ where cancer first develops. Metastatic lung or breast cancer in the brain is the most commonly found brain cancer.
Brain Cancer: Grades
Tumors of the brain are assigned under a grade, depending on how normal or abnormal the cells appear microscopically. Grade measurements will help your doctor plan the most suitable treatment for you.
Brain cancer treatment involves removing or reducing the tumor burden, easing pressure on the brain, prolonging survival, and improving the quality of life. Depending on the type of cancer, e.g., glioblastoma, meningioma, grade, and location, treatments are meant either to cure the cancer, slow down its progression, or relieve symptoms.
If headaches lasting longer than usual, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, balance problems, changes in personality, or cognitive impairments are experienced, see the doctor immediately. This could be an early manifestation of the occurrence of a brain tumor. Early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Preparation includes neuroimaging (MRI/CT), biopsy if required, baseline neurological assessments, blood tests, and assessments concerning the patient's heart, kidney, and liver functions. Patients may also be asked to discontinue certain pre-operatively while initiating corticosteroids or anti-seizure medications.
The surgical treatment involves craniotomy for the complete removal of the tumor as safely as possible. This may then be followed by additional radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy (the former is stereotactic radiosurgery). Some contemporary approaches include targeted therapies and immunotherapy; patient treatment depends on tumor biology.
The operating room time varies from 3 to 6 hours. The patient stays in the hospital for a few days to a week. Radiation or chemotherapy treatment lasts for several weeks. Recovery and further treatments may extend for months according to the aggressive nature of the tumor and treatment approach.
After surgery, the patient will require pain control and physical and occupational therapy. Close image monitoring will be needed for some time. Rehabilitation helps compensate for neurological deficits. Follow-up entails routine MRIs, neurological examinations, medication evaluation, and any necessary side effects; emotional support might also be crucial during this time.
The success of the surgery depends on tumor types, locations, and grades. Low-grade tumors have a much higher survival rate, whereas high-grade tumors, such as glioblastoma, have a lower one.
60–90%
Treatment success rate (depends on tumor type, grade, and stage)5–10 days
Typical hospital stay (for surgery; varies by treatment)4–8 weeks
Return to normal daily activities depending on treatment and recovery
Johannesburg, South Africa
Our experienced Medical Patient Advisors have supported 100,000+ patients across 120+ countries with personalised treatment plans, hospital recommendations, cost estimates, and travel assistance, all free.
✓ Free Consultation ✓ No Obligation ✓ Personalized Treatment Plan ✓ Response Within 24 Hours
Your medical info is kept HIPAA-style confidential. We never share with hospitals without your consent.
Opinion & Option
We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review
Consult Privately
Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel
Logistics
We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.
Recovery
Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome
Monica from Ghana suffered from AV malformation. She decided to look for options for medical treatment when she started experiencing…
Nasrin (Sister of the patient ) explains the journey of how MediGence helped for the treatment of Silim Shabani for…
Johannesburg, also known as the “The city of Gold” is located in South Africa and is also fast emerging as a healthcare hub. The Department of Health is in charge of healthcare in Johannesburg. The city lacks a comprehensive healthcare system. Instead, it employs two interconnected systems, a public, and a private healthcare system. The majority of people's care—up to 80% of the population—is under the control of the government. The public healthcare system is underfunded which makes the public prefer the private sector. The private hospitals in Johannesburg have state-of-the-art infrastructure and deliver healthcare as per international standards. Private healthcare is available to everyone in Johannesburg, regardless of nationality. Every year, patients from all over the world especially, the US, the UK, and Europe travel to Johannesburg to receive treatments like heart surgery, hip replacement, and In-vitro fertilization. This could be atttributed to the availability of good quality healthcare at affordable costs in Johannesburg.
The hospitals in Johannesburg have state-of-the-art infrastructure and deliver services as per international standards. Some of the top hospitals in Johannesburg are:
The doctors in Johannesburg are well-trained, competent, and qualified professionals who have completed their education at some of the best universities. Some of the top doctors in Johannesburg are:
You can reach Johannesburg by air, road, or rail. The nearest airport to Johannesburg is the OR Tambo International Airport. If you wish to avail treatment in Johannesburg, then we can help in planning your medical travel.
Get your medical reports reviewed by experienced doctors to help you make a confident treatment decision, all online within 48 hours.
Upload Your Reports
