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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Menigioma Diagnosis
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Menigioma Diagnosis
by melerle, Jan 22, 2006 12:00AM
In August of this year I was diagnosed with multiple problems including Lymes Disease and also a Cavernous Sinus Menigioma others not nearly as important. I was informed of the tumor in a terrible manner, over the telephone. In that conversation the word "Cancer" was spoken as part of the description of the tumor. It scared me to death! Since then, I have had a biopsy of the tumor which was inconclusive due to the location and the inability of the surgeons to actually reach the tumor. I have also had Gamma Knife Surgery that the results of are still inconclusive. I have a follow-up appointment in February.
My questions are this: In laymans terms, What is the definition of Cancer? Is a tumor(brain or other)considered cancer just because they are a growth of cells that wouldn't normally be there?
My questions are this: In laymans terms, What is the definition of Cancer? Is a tumor(brain or other)considered cancer just because they are a growth of cells that wouldn't normally be there?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jan 29, 2006 12:00AM
Cancer could be described as the uncontrolled growth of a particular type of cell in a part of the body. Symptoms are caused when the growth of cells gets large enough to cause pressure on other normal cells or infiltrates normal cellular structures.
The term malignant in cancer terms means that the tumor cells can infiltrate tissues around it, or can break off and travel to other sites of the body. The term benign is usually relative but usually means that the cells can still grow but slowly and cause more pressure effects, and tend not to infiltrate or break off to distant sites.
Brain tumors are still a form of 'cancer'. However meningiomas are for the most part a 'benign' form, that grows slowly over time, and are actually quite common in the general population as they get older. Many do not require any treatment unless causing symptoms, and can just be followed over time. They are usually diagnosable on MRI. They can be more troublesome if located in small areas like the cavernous sinus, and may cause compression of the contents of thee cavernous sinus eventually (nerves that control eye movements, the carotid artery). A minority of meningiomas are malignant in that they grow quickly on MRI and can infiltrate other tissues - this can be told from a biopsy or just by symptoms and MRI progression.
The term malignant in cancer terms means that the tumor cells can infiltrate tissues around it, or can break off and travel to other sites of the body. The term benign is usually relative but usually means that the cells can still grow but slowly and cause more pressure effects, and tend not to infiltrate or break off to distant sites.
Brain tumors are still a form of 'cancer'. However meningiomas are for the most part a 'benign' form, that grows slowly over time, and are actually quite common in the general population as they get older. Many do not require any treatment unless causing symptoms, and can just be followed over time. They are usually diagnosable on MRI. They can be more troublesome if located in small areas like the cavernous sinus, and may cause compression of the contents of thee cavernous sinus eventually (nerves that control eye movements, the carotid artery). A minority of meningiomas are malignant in that they grow quickly on MRI and can infiltrate other tissues - this can be told from a biopsy or just by symptoms and MRI progression.
Also, was your blood test or spinal tap test for Lyme positive or was you diagnosed based only on your symptoms, and what treatment are you undergoing for Lyme?
If you don't feel comfortable with your doctors, seek help at a major university or other respectable clinic.
The question about the term "Cancer" is due to the way I was told about the brain tumor and what was said during that conversation.
I had just had my first MRI and had returned home. I had been given several RX for pain over the past few days and had called the ER at my local hospital to ask a question about possible drug interaction. While on the phone with the attending PA, he told me that my doctor and he had just gotten done looking at the MRI films. He proceeded to tell me that I had a brain tumor and that it was cancer.
Mind you I literally dropped to the floor. What I had just heard took my breath away. So you see, I need to know the correct use for the word "Cancer"
I realize that the PA is not a doctor and doesn't have the ability to diagnose.
No, I still do not know if the tumor was malignant or benign and yes, I continue to follow up on a regular schedule with my nuerosurgeon, ENT, and radiologist ohncologist.
Thus, my question.
Are all tumors considered a type of cancer and the difference lays in them either being malignant or benign?
I will just keep my fingers crossed that this MRI is normal.
Any replys would certainly be welcome.
Thank you.