Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/26/2011

Question
I've just been reading some of the answers you give human beings, particularly regarding Grade 1 and 2 tumours, and especially Pilocytic tumours. Fankly, I'm utterly shocked at some of the misleading responses you give, particularly your unfair insistence on coupling Pilocytic Astrocytomas with other otherwise "low-grade" tumours. I shouldn't need to tell you that they are COMPLETELY different entities with COMPLETELY different outcomes? You sit there on your high horse telling people with I’m sure a smug expression on your face that they have cancer, when they don’t.

You’re the reason why so many people hate and fear doctors of any kind.

Answer
It is true that pilocytic astrocytomas grade 1 are slowly growing brain tumors that usually do not reappear after surgery. They can however grow to sizes and in places that make them difficult to treat surgically. Grade 2 tumors of this kind have a greater tendency to come back. And are therefore more problematic. So while clearly much more benign than most other brain tumors they are not without problems. If I in any way have failed to explain this I deplore that fact! But hardly any brain tumor is a picnic. Correct grading of all brain tumors is also often not easy. I may tend to be on the pessimistic side but I do not want to inspire false hopes either. Happy surprises are better than nasty surprises.



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