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Brain Tumors/pilocytic astrocytoma with cranial spinal dissemination

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Expert: - 5/14/2008


Question
My son was diagnosed in 2002 received radiation for six weeks and chemo (temodal first then ceenu) for 1 1/2 years. We have been told because of the location of his tumor (fourth ventricle) that surgery is not an option because in all likelihood the tumor would spread. From what I understand surgery is the best option but it seems to me that because none of the doctors are familiar with this type of tumor they are not doing anything.  My son is now in a wheelchair because of the tumors on his spine and radiation. I would like to know whether there are actually surgeons performing this surgery and where. Thank you for your help.

Answer
With a tumor close to his 4'th ventricle surgery is probably impossible or VERY risky indeed! So in that case there is no other option than radiation therapy and chemo therapy alone without surgery. Was his spine included in his radiation therapy since tumor cells may spread along his spinal cord with this location? The best option is surgery combined with radiation therapy and chemo therapy. but you can only do what is possible. However if you do wish a real second opinion on his case you should bring him to for example MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas or Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York City or the Mayo Clinic. That is all I can tell you on this.

Brain Tumors

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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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