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Brain Tumors/glioblastoma brain tumor

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Expert: - 9/15/2007


Question
My grandmother was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor that is located deep into the right parietal lobe. Since the tumor is in such a bad location the doctors are unable to operate. The treatment plan is radiation and an oral chemotherapy. I'm wondering what adverse side-effects I can expect?

Answer
Mainly brain swelling (from the radiation - that will be taken care of by corticosteroids, cortisone, with some side effects of its own, body swelling, acne, decreased insulin sensitivity with increased blood sugar, increased blood pressure, increased bone decalcification, increased risk of stomach ulcer, mood changes etc. but it is NECESSARY to give it). The brain swelling may also cause headache. Also hair loss may be caused - temporary or permanent. The chemo therapy may cause nausea even some vomiting but may not give much side effects at all. With the level of medication given there will probably be no blood changes, but that has to be checked of course. You must understand though that this therapy can not cure your grandmother unfortunately. It can only bring some temporary relief.

Brain Tumors

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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.

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