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Brain Tumors/anaplastic astrocytoma

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Expert: - 2/6/2010


Question
Between 3 dr's, we have been told that my husbands AA is a class 2 by 2 dr and a 3 by the other 2 dr's.  Why can't they all agree since a bio has been done.  Also what is his life expectancy?  49 yrs old, dx in October.  Resection removed less than 30%.  Radiation is done.  Still on Temodar.

Answer
To classify brain tumors is actually VERY hard! Normally a team of very talented and EXPERIENCED neuropathologists together decide the diagnosis and grade by consensus as a teamwork. That does not seem to be the case here. Prognosis is mainly decided by the GRADE of the tumor (that is probably what you mean by class) and the diagnosis. So in order to be able to evaluate his prognosis I do need an as correct as possible evaluation of the grade of his tumor. In this situation I strongly suggest that you demand a second opinion (for example by the Armed Forces' Institute of Pathology). That so little of his tumor could be removed is however not good. Good luck! Please come back when you have the result!


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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.

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Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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