You are here:

Brain Tumors/grade IV astracytoma

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/11/2010


Question
My 41 year old best childhood friend had brain surgery yesterday 8/8/10 at Emory H in Atlanta, GA, which identified a 3 inch grade 4 astracytoma.  90% was removed. She'd had noticeable symptoms for only a few weeks.  Her father died of the same tumor approx 12 years ago--his was a grade 3 when diagnosed.  This is all the info I have received from my friend's sister.  Any comments on what I can expect as a "realistic" prognosis.  Thank you kindly.

Answer
Well like her father (as far as we know today just a coincidence - no sure hereditary links are known at present) she has a very bad prognosis even with full treatment (surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy). In her case even somewhat worse since a grade 4 lesion is worse than a grade 3 one. The only result of the treatment is a somewhat extended survival time and temporarily reduced symptoms. I estimate her survival time from primary treatment with full treatment to be around one year or 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.

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.