Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/28/2007

Question
dear dr. gustaf    i wrote to you some time ago regarding my condition. i was dx w/a benign meningioma (anterior clinoid 1.7cm) in 9/07 have had ct,mri x3(fine cuts)was found that tumor was wrapped around carotid artery and rt optic nerve. saw neurosurgeons x3 radiation onc x2 neuroopthamologist x1. surgery to the area risky due to stroke, damage to optic nerve. gamma knife not an option would probably cause damage to optic nerve. (tumor measures 1.7cm). last option fractional radiation 5 week course daily. problem here are side effects of radiation worst one being damage  to pituitary gland, would become non functioning also there is a risk of cancer due to radiation therapy, poss. damage to optic nerve, memmory loss(miniscule)and hair loss. decided along with md's  to do watchful waiting repeat mri in 3 months. is there something else out there that would help? alternative medicine? herbal/vitamin or accupuncture?? are there different types of fractional radiation using different tecniques or equipment that would decrease my chance of pituitary injury. thank you again for your time sincerely lynn

Answer
First of all so called alternative medicine, herbs, vitamins, acupuncture all have nothing to offer in a case like this unfortunately. Meningiomas are not very radiation sensitive so to get a good effect on tyour tumor (its size is more or less ideal for it) the very strong radiation from the GammaKnife would be necessary for a sure effect. Unfortunately that will to some extent put your optic nerve and your pituitary at some risk. Even so I think you should ask for a second opinion from a dr. with experience of GammaKnife work. Unfortunately I have no idea where the closest dr. of that kind is from you! You will have to find that dr. on your own. The hair loss of GammaKnife treatment is not much of a problem. Good luck!