Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/25/2008

Question
  My wife has been recently diagnosed (Jan.2008) with an Astrocytoma in her midbrain. She has had migraines since 1985. In 2004, an MRI was done and the Doctors said a "lesion" appeared but was nothing to worry about. Then, in 2006 after another MRI a Neurologist said the same lesion was nothing to worry about. Then, in January 2008, she had another MRI performed in "a closed machine" as all previous MRI's were performed in an "Open machine". Now, the Neurologist has informed my wife that based on comparison of the 2008-2006 MRI's, there is a "Glioma" in her Midbrain area. He said he thought the tumor was slow growing but inoperable and too dangerous for a biopsy. We are scheduled to see a Neurosurgeon in 2 weeks for treatment possibilities. We are really concerned and wondering if there are anyone out there with experience in this type of tumor problem? Is there procedures for removal? Is removal an option? If tumor is 3cm or smaller, is Cyberknife treatment the only option? What is her life expectancy? Anyone heard of the balloon procedure performed by a Neurosurgeon at Cincinnati Childrens hospital? Regards, Darrel from East Tennessee, USA

Answer
If it has been there for such a long time (since 2004) it is probably growing slowly. If indeed it IS inoperable and it is 3 cm in size or smaller then  the CyberKnife or the similar GammaKnife or possibly proton beams are her only options - if possible. That is something you will have to discuss with her neurosurgeon. Without more information it is at present impossible to give you a better answer. Please do keep me posted!