Best Neurosurgeons for Brain Tumors (Benign And Malignant) in Chennai, India

This page lists 7 brain tumors (benign and malignant) doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

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This page lists 7 brain tumors (benign and malignant) doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

About the Condition

What is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or immediately surrounding the brain, and can arise from brain tissue itself (primary tumors) or spread from cancers elsewhere in the body (secondary or metastatic tumors). Even tumors classified as benign can be life-altering if they press on critical brain structures, affect neurological function, or become difficult to access surgically. Malignant brain tumors carry additional risks including rapid growth, invasion of surrounding tissue, and potential spread within the central nervous system. A thorough evaluation—including a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and advanced imaging—is essential before any treatment pathway is considered.

Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.

Treatment options for Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)

Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.

Brain Tumor Surgery

Brain tumor surgery involves the surgical removal of abnormal tissue growths (benign or malignant) from within the brain to relieve pressure, control symptoms, obtain tissue diagnosis, and improve survival outcomes.

Why it may be consideredThe specific technique chosen depends on tumor location, size, type, and proximity to critical brain structures. India offers advanced neuro-navigation, intraoperative MRI, and awake craniotomy facilities at a fraction of Western costs.

Key distinction: Most Common

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure in which a section of the skull (bone flap) is temporarily removed to access the brain for the removal of benign or malignant tumors, relief of pressure, or biopsy of abnormal tissue.

Why it may be consideredThe bone flap is repositioned and secured after the procedure. It is one of the most common and effective treatments for brain tumors that are surgically accessible.

Key distinction: Most Common

How is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) treated?

Care usually follows several stages, from assessment through treatment and follow-up.

1

Assessment

Review medical history, BMI and overall health.

2

Lifestyle & medical treatment

Diet, physical activity, behavioural support and medicines when appropriate.

3

Specialist evaluation

Assess whether additional treatment may be appropriate.

4

Treatment selection

Non-surgical or surgical options based on individual circumstances.

5

Treatment & recovery

Follow the selected treatment plan and recovery guidance.

6

Long-term follow-up

Monitor weight, health and response to treatment.

Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) doctors

Image not available Featured

Dr. Ari G Chacko

MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India32+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 32+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, with a focus on complex brain and spine tumor surgery.
  • Previously served as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, delivering advanced neurosurgical care to patients across South Asia.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Resection (Craniotomy)
  • Awake Craniotomy for Glioma Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumor Surgery
  • Pituitary Tumor Surgery (Endoscopic)
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 32+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: NABH
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Dr. M. Anbuselvam

MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India42+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 42+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Rela Hospital, Chennai — Current
  • Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai — November 2014 to January 2021
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumour Surgery
  • Meningioma Surgery
  • Craniotomy
  • Cavernoma Surgery
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 42+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. M Balamurugan

MBBS, DNB in Neurosurgery, FRCS, FAANS – Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Hospital, Chennai Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 30+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai — current role spanning a distinguished tenure in advanced brain and spine surgery.
  • Accumulated over 30 years of clinical neurosurgical practice, managing a high-volume caseload across oncology, cerebrovascular, pediatric, and spinal neurosurgery.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Glioma Surgery
  • Craniotomy
  • Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Pediatric Hydrocephalus Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospital, Chennai
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Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel

Fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery, MCh Neurosurgery (6-Year Integrated), MBBS, Advanced Microvascular Anastomosis Training, Microvascular Anastomosis Training
Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital (RIMC) Chennai, India14+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 14+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Consultant, Neurosurgery — Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre (RIMC), Chennai (2025 – Present)
  • Consultant, Neurosurgery — Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai (2021 – 2025)
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Glioma Surgery
  • Meningioma Surgery
  • Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
  • Pituitary Tumor Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 14+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela Hospital (RIMC)
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Dr. Natesan Damodaran

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgery, Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neurosurgical Skills Training (Simulation & Cadaver Dissection), MCh in Neurosurgery, MSc in Psychology, MBBS
Clinical Lead, Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Clinical Lead for Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery at Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai.
  • Leading the development of a Level-4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Program integrating pediatric and adult care, advanced presurgical evaluation, and neurorehabilitation.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Epilepsy Surgery
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Implant
  • Craniotomy
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Nigel Symss

MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery and Neuro Endoscopy, Fellowship in Spinal and Microneurosurgery, Fellowship in Functional/Micro Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India16+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 16+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery — Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai (current)
  • Neurosurgery Consultant — Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumor Surgery
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Epilepsy Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 16+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Dr. Venkatesan Sanjeevi

Fellowship in Neuroendovascular Surgery & Stroke Intervention, Endoscopic Spine Surgery Fellowship, MCh – Neurosurgery (Gold Medalist & University Rank Holder), MS – General Surgery, MBBS
Consultant Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 10+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Consultant Neurosurgeon at Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai (Perumbakkam), managing a wide range of brain and spine conditions.
  • Completed advanced Neuroendovascular Surgery and Stroke Intervention fellowship training at Kameda Medical Center, Japan (2025).
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumour Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumour Surgery
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
  • Brain Aneurysm Clipping
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI

Hospitals where these doctors practise

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$4,500

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
NeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors here
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. M. AnbuselvamDr. Natesan Damodaran
Gleneagles Global Hospital🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$4,500

Gleneagles Global Hospital

Est. 1999
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
NeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors here
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Nigel SymssDr. Venkatesan Sanjeevi

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for brain tumors (benign and malignant) treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) in Chennai, India

What is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells that develops in or around the brain; it may be benign (non-cancerous but potentially harmful depending on size and location) or malignant (cancerous, with a tendency to grow aggressively and affect surrounding structures).
What are the symptoms and health risks of Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
Common symptoms can include persistent or worsening headaches (often worse in the morning), seizures, changes in vision, speech or memory, unexplained nausea or vomiting, weakness or numbness in the limbs, and shifts in personality or cognition. The type, location, and size of the tumor strongly influence which symptoms appear, and some tumors may grow with few noticeable symptoms until they reach a significant size. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not confirm the presence of a brain tumor, and only a qualified clinician can determine the cause through proper evaluation.
How is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed neurological examination and a review of the patient's personal and family medical history, followed by advanced imaging—most commonly MRI with contrast, which can reveal the tumor's size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures. A CT scan may also be used, particularly in urgent settings. Definitive diagnosis and tumor classification—including grading on the WHO scale from Grade I (slow-growing, typically benign) to Grade IV (highly aggressive, such as glioblastoma)—generally requires a tissue biopsy, which informs prognosis and guides treatment decisions.
How is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) treated?
Treatment depends on the tumor's type, WHO grade, size, location, the patient's overall health, and neurological status, and is best determined through a multidisciplinary team assessment. Surgical removal (resection) via craniotomy is a common primary approach for many tumors, aiming to reduce tumor burden, relieve pressure, and obtain tissue for diagnosis. Depending on the findings, surgery may be combined with or replaced by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or active surveillance, particularly for low-grade or inoperable tumors.
Can Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) be treated without surgery?
For certain low-grade or slow-growing benign tumors—especially in older patients or those with significant surgical risk—active surveillance with periodic MRI scans may be an appropriate initial strategy. Radiation therapy (including stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) and chemotherapy are established non-surgical or adjunct options, particularly for malignant tumors, recurrent disease, or tumors in locations that make surgical access difficult. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage swelling around the tumor, and anti-epileptic medications are commonly used when seizures are present. All non-surgical plans must be assessed and monitored by a specialist.
When is Brain Tumor Surgery considered for Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
Brain Tumor Surgery may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
Brain tumors are primarily evaluated and managed by a neurosurgeon, and most treatment decisions are made within a multidisciplinary team that also includes a neuro-oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a specialist neuroradiologist. A neurologist may also be involved in ongoing symptom management, particularly for seizure control.
How do I choose a doctor for Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
When comparing providers, look for a neurosurgeon with documented experience in brain tumor resection and craniotomy, ideally affiliated with a hospital that has a dedicated neuro-oncology program, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and access to adjunct therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. Confirm that the team offers structured post-operative follow-up, including repeat imaging and rehabilitation support where needed.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.