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Brain Tumors/Low grade Brain stem glioma

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Expert: - 5/17/2010


Question
My mother (age - 62) has diagnosed Low grade Brain stem glioma, doctors told that brain stem is a vital place hence biopsy test
is not suggesting. They recommended radio surgery , shall i go ahead for radio surgery ? Please suggest me. Another option they are suggesting
i can wait 2 more months again conduct MRI  scan if there is any growth after comparing with current one i can go for radio surgery , if there is
no growth then no need to go for radio surgery till growth is found thus we can delay side effects. Please suggest me.

Answer
I have to agree with her doctors. Well, if they mean stereotactic radiation therapy using the so called "GammaKnife" or proton beams I certainly do agree there too. If this was my mother I would NOT want to wait but would go straight ahead with the treatment. The brain stem does not allow much room for margins so I would not want to wait.




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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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