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Brain Tumors/meningioma vs. arachnoid cyst

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Expert: - 1/7/2008


Question
In 2002, I was diagnosed having a 1.3x1.2 meningioma on the right temporal region. I have had 4 MRI's since this time. In December I had my last scan which came back showing an Arachnoid Cyst involving the right temporal region 2.0 x 1.2.
I have a few questions, one, does a Meningioma and an Archnoid Cyst look similar on an MRI and second, should I be worried that it has grown? Third, which one would cause more symptoms?  

Answer
An arachnoid cyst is not really a tumor. I do not think there is any difficulty in seeing the difference between such a cyst and a meningioma with MRI. However as I said a cyst of this kind is not a tumor so outside my field of expertise here. Meningiomas are indeed tumors but normally (except in some small cases) treated only with neuro surgery. I'm not a neuro surgeon but a medical oncologist and radiation therapist with experience in treating malignant brain tumors (and a few small benign ones where the radiological GammaKnife has been involved). So I strongly suggest that you direct this question to a neuro surgeon since it is within that area of expertise!

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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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