Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 3/19/2011

Question
My friend(age 26)  was operated for tumor in cerebellum on 5.03.2011.the tumor was completely removed and the biopsy results showed as astrocytoma grade3.i read a lot about astrocytoma grade 3 and its effects on net.my friend dint have any post operation complications like he started walking from day two,he dint have any defect in his speach or vision or in balancing.he does everything by himself,perfectly normal .doctors  suggested for radiation under linear accelerator

my concern is should we go for a second opinion before starting radiation.and can he have a normal life like will he be able to work ,and what care he should take after his therapy.

Thankyou

Answer
I suppose you mean an astrocytoma GRADE 3 since brain tumours usually do not have stages. Unfortunately malignant brain tumours like this usually have a bad prognosis regardless of therapy. A grade 3 tumour even more so and a grade 4 tumour worst of all. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can however postpone the process to some extent. So I see no reason to wait with such treatments. Instead I suggest that he starts his radiation therapy as soon as possible! Even so I can unfortunately not guarantee any normal life or life span. He may be able to work - at least for some time. But more than that I can unfortunately not say. I also suggest chemotherapy. Apart from that there are at present no special cares after his treatment.




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