Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 4/20/2010

Question
My Sister was 15 when she had an Astrocytoma Glioma. They removed what they could and did radiation. She is now 44 and the tumor has returned with edema. She sleeps all the time, is withdrawn,dizzy, confused,has head pressure, and says she is not going to be around much longer. Doctors are not telling us what is going on. They said it could be necrosis from the radiation she had years ago. I am afraid she is truly dying and need to prepare for how much longer she has. I did some research and found out that recurrence can mean a faster growing and higher grade tumor. What is your opinion on recurrence tumors and my Sister's symptoms??

Answer
I do not believe much in a radiation necrosis at this stage. It is more likely that her tumor has returned and that it is now a tumor of a higher grade (more malignant) - such a transformation to a higher grade is possible. What was the grade of her original tumor? Since she has survived for quite a long time - almost 30 years - it must have been a very low grade tumor - grade 1 or (unlikely) 2. The signs and symptoms you describe are serious.
They indicate that she probably does not have much time left. AT MOST some months but it may be MUCH shorter. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!



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