Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/10/2011

Question
Hi,

I'd just like to follow up with a few more questions, if i could.  I'd really like to thank you for the service you are providing and I hope that my further questions, which to be honest are driven in part by anxiety, are not too bothersome or repetitive.

I re-read my description of the "sore spot" on my head and felt it was a bit vague.  The best way I can describe it, is that it is  a spot on the skull or scalp, that when I press down seems to feel sore or uncomfortable, not as a surface pain but almost as something that goes deeper.  My question: is this the type of thing you say is not associated with a tumor?  I guess, I would just appreciate some explanation as to why pressing on a particular location with some discomfort that radiates downward could not be a sign.

Second question:  The first sign of these "symptoms," if thats what they are, came about 9 months ago.  Yet, nothing in the nature of the symptoms or their severity has changed.  If it were due to something like a malignant tumor, would they have progressed in severity or at least now include things like nausea, vomiting, etc.?

As I said, I am a young person with a bit of anxiety,  so anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated.

Shabbat Shalom.

Answer
Todah rabah! Shabbath Shalom to you too! Shavua Tov! Brain tumors are processes IN the brain so INSIDE the skull. They do not have the symptoms you describe. Malignant brain tumors are also rather fast processes. If your symptoms - now 9 months old - were caused by such a tumor - and without any treatment - you would now be VERY SICK indeed - if alive! Good luck/Mazel tov!



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