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Brain Tumors/Low grade growth rate

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Expert: - 1/27/2008


Question
I have been diagnosed with a low grade tumor 18 months ago. It has grown from (approximate) 5x3x4 to 6x4x5 (approximately 7mm all around) Is this significant and does this increase the grade? What intervention would you recommend.

Answer
Well in 18 months it has grown 1 cm in each of the 3 dimensions (1/2.54 inch). That is a rather slow growth consistent with a low grade brain tumor (grade 1 to 2) but I can not base its grading on that alone. Was ever any biopsy done? Do you have access to CT & MRI reports? I know far too little about your particular case (at a minimum I would need to know the EXACT location & orientation of your tumor) to be able to give any recommendations. But you SHOULD discuss this seriously with your dr. The size you have told me probably makes a radiological eradication approach with the GammaKnife, CyberKnife or proton beams impossible. Brain surgery, conventional radiation therapy & chemo therapy may perhaps be a possibility but only drs. well informed of your case can tell you if it is. Good luck!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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