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Brain Tumors/AA3
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Question
Hi!
My husband (25yo at the time) was diagnosed with a 3rd grade anaplasitc astrocytoma in 2000. He underwent surgery where the mass was removed, and underwent radio therapy, and began chemotherapy (which at this time was not finished due to a complication). We were advised that it was the kind of tumor that would reoccur, and that there could be small cells in the surrounding tissue.
In early 2005 after a check up and MRI we found that the tumor had returned. Surgery was no longer an option, so he underwent a new type of radio therapy, that was a single procedure. However after the radio therapy, it seemed as if the tumor was getting bigger. We were beggining to feel that the prognosis was becoming bad, and offered oral chemotherapy to attempt to keep it at bay, however after 8 months of a 2 year course the tumor had disappeared. My understanding is that this particular tumor usually has a relatively bad prognosis, so my question is this:
Due to the fact that he has had such success with fighting off the tumor, is it likely that in fact it may not reoccur again? Since his original diagnosis we have had two children, so as you can imagine, every 3 months we are on edge waiting for the mri results.
Thanks.
I do understand your concern! But this is such an irregular tumor behavior - especially if he is still alive - that I can not give you any definite answer. However I do suggest that his tumor material - if possible - is reexamined by neuropathologists in order to check if any mistake was made in the diagnosis in view of this situation. Brain pathology IS difficult - especially grading!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for your responce. I agree that it is unusual, in at least that has been the impression that I have recieved from the medical community. However, my husband is completely ignorant to the reality of the situation (probably by choice subconsciencely) he keeps waiting for the all clear, and no mater what he is told, he only hears what he wants to! Maybe this is the key to his success:) Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! | ||
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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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