Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 6/25/2010

Question
QUESTION: My daughter has been diagnosed with this type of tumour on her pituitary gland of 1.2cm in size which has since grown to 1.5cm. She has undergone 8 weeks of radiation treatment, and it is heading towards the brain stem and therefore inoperable.At present she is having horrendous headaches and is concerned that this may be the tumour growing in size. What is the prognosis of this sort of tumour?

ANSWER: All glioblastomas have a very bad prognosis. Exactly how bad is determined by the grade. Grade 3 and 4 are considered "bad" grades  with a very bad prognosis (grade 4 is worst). The precise location etc. are not that important - except with regards to for example if it is operable or not. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!




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

QUESTION: The latest scan has shown the tumour has shrunk back to 1,25 centimetres. The radiation has now stopped and a further scan will take place in three weeks. Does the fact that the tumour has shrunk some, indicate that the prognosis will be longer than before. The time frame we were given initially was 6 to 12 months.Can we expect a longer time now that it has shrunk, or are we merely clutching at straws.We do not what to plan when at this stage. Can you please help us.
Thank you.

Answer
The fact that her tumor has shrunk to some extent may buy you some time but that is unfortunately all. These tumors are all still incurable and eventually fatal. The 6 to 12 months of survival time may still prove to be correct. It may also be longer but probably not much so. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!




You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128     There is no restriction to the number of questions there.