You are here:

Brain Tumors/Secondary brain cancer when no primary source can be found.

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/7/2010


Question
My father has recently been told he has four tumours on his brain and cancer all through his body.  The specialist cannot identify where the primary cancer is. Could you tell me what treatment is likely to occur and what his life expectancy could be?  Thank you.

Answer
Unfortunately in this situation mainly palliatve treatment - NOT a curative one - is available. Even if no primary tumour has been found I suppose that some tests have been done on his tumours that are said to be all over his body (biopsies) so that it must be known what KIND of cancer he has?! What can be tried for temporary help and relief is radiation therapy  of his brain and also chemotherapy. Without knowing what kind of cancer he has I can not tell you how much that will help him but unfortunately in this situation no cure is possible. So even with such treatment his prognosis is bad.




You can also reach me at: http://www.liveperson.com/professional/expert-profile.aspx?gsBMQvSJ0S4K1haAm6AtH
There is no limit to the number of questions there. Please note: NEW SITE!

Brain Tumors

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.