Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 12/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, my grandfather was diagnosed with a brain tumour in decmeber 2007, luckily it was benign, he immediately had surgery and although they werent able to remove the whole tumour they got quite a lot of it, he then had a 6 week regime of rfadiotherapy. He has had problems with his pituitary function since and has been on a hormone cream and also developed diabetes which is being managed without medication. He is barely able to do anything as his headaches and dizziness is so severe, drs have prescribed amitryptaline and co-codamol but they are not helping. He spends most of his time in bed. He was previously a very well and fit man and nothing got him down but he is now quite weak and a completely different man. My question really is, are the headaches normal? Should he still be experiencing them so severe? Why does he seem to be getting worse? We have asked his drs and they just say its the radiation still doing its job, but surely after almost two years it shouldnt be getting worse. Is there anything else we can do to help him or even alleviate some of his smptoms? Thank you for taking the time to read my questions, I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

ANSWER: To be able to answer I do need to know EXACTLY what kind of brain tumour he had/has. The best way to know that is that you copy his pathology reports & MRI scan reports here if possible.

I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, I am very sorry but I do not have access to the information that you need. I will however give you as much information as i can. His tumour is benign and is located in his pituitary gland and was around the size of a small orange, he had immediate surgery whereby they went in through his nose, they were unable to remove all of the tumour and he has been having regular scans since, he has just had another and is awaiting the results. Drs keep telling him that the continued pain etc is caused by the radiotherapy still doing its job but to be honest I dont believe that. I am aware that the therapy can also damage good cells aswell as bad ones and that a certain amount of damage can be done through that. He also seems to lose his voice when his pain is very bad- he goes very croaky and can barely speak, I have also noticed that his shoulder and upper arm shakes. He has been in increasing pain the last week and I am very concerned about him. I have bought him a 'v' shaped pillow for when he is in bed to try and make him more comfortable.
Thank you once again
Simone

ANSWER: Conventional radiation therapy is usually (but not always) not used against benign tumors. I'm therefore quite puzzled by your description. It is true that radiation therapy may cause side effects but I too find this case somewhat mysterious and in order to evaluate it I do need the information I asked for. Going through the nose (sinus sphenoidale) is now standard surgery for pituitary tumors.

I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, I did ask my grandfather what type of tumour it was and he said the only thing he knew was that it is a pituitary tumour- we are trying to find out more information and as soon as i can get it i will let you know. I dont know if this will help you but his very first symptoms were assosiated with his eyes, he kept needing his glasses to be changed and they were never beneficial for long- the opthalmologist told him to get a referral to the neuro specialist. I do know that the tumour was a considerable size. He gets the results from his latest scan in a few weeks. I saw his yesterday and he really scared me, he has gone from a very strong man to a frail old man- he never seemed old before and has always had fantastic health. I actually think that he may be suffering from vertigo at the moment- his dizziness has become so bad that he cant get out of bed at the moment. I know its very difficult for you to give me any answers without seeing his records but we are all at a loss and would really like to know if there is anything anyone can do- i would love so speak with his doctors but they ( for obvious reasons) wont divulge personal information. I will try and keep in touch with you, if thats ok, and try and give you as much information as possible. Thank you once again
Simone

Answer
Well there are many kinds of pituitary tumors. The name pituitary tumor just tells us that it is located in the pituitary. Since the pituitary is very close to where the optic nerves from the eyes cross each other visual symptoms are common with these tumors. Your grandfather can DEMAND a copy of his medical records and then hand over the copy to you! That way we would know what it is.


I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128