Any feedback regarding Pineal Neoplasm/Partially Calcified Lesion?

Right now I am waiting for my 2nd MRI to see if I am dealing with brain cancer or not.  Or, maybe my second MRI will not tell me anything.    Either way, I have a brain lesion which is causing quite a deal of pressure.  What I do not know is, if it is of a cystic nature,  tumor, benign lesion or malignant lesion.  Has anyone had any experiences with pineal issues, cysts, tumors...etc?  What is the significance of it being partially calcified, also?  Does it infer malignancy, or not whatsover, or sometimes?  Frustration is an understatement at this point.

[rumpled]

Sorry for the delay in responding - Sandy knocked out my power, heat, internet etc.

There have been quite a few posts on pineal lesions - but our search here is strange and just throws up the oldest stuff and not the newest (ACK!) so you are not alone.

I can tell you from experience - scans can be iffy on a lot of stuff especially with smaller glandular lesions - and I don't know if the calcification makes it more one way or another.

Have you had any blood tests that help? Any news since the post?

[catlover72]

Yes, our search here is strange.  There are nights I just Google myself silly going to bed with no answers.  I haven't had any new news and won't get any more until my next MRI (mid DEC.).  They sent my whole medical file (?) but somehow it didn't have the lab results.  So, you are right to question about that.  Today I called the hospital to have them sent to the house.  Time will tell what information I can get out of them.  Today there is so much fatigue I am beside myself and the quality of mylife is just so substandard.  Thanks for your reply..and concern...=).  I hope you and your family are okay from the Hurricane.  I can not believe the images I have seen on TV.

[rumpled]

In general - the stuff I have read about calcified stuff means that it is stable so I hope that is true for you. If they were super worried they would not wait until December?  I know I get scares with stuff and they then make me wait (I am due for the next scan in January - joy) so I feel for you.

Have they tested your melatonin levels? That can interfere with sleep and that would make life awful... your GP can do that - and check up from time to time.

[catlover72]

They did lab work back in June.  I am going to check with my nurse to see if they checked for Melatonin.  For the most part I am sleeping pretty good. The Topamax is working somewhat with the pain, however, the pressure is still there for sure.

[rumpled]

I take topamax too - I tried a lot of the others (neurontin, keppra etc) but topa worked insofar as it had the least side effects for me. Nerve pain bites. I also use acupuncture.

Sleeping good is a great thing.

[catlover72]

I did get the lab results back.  Most of them, look normal.  However, the Sed Rate, Westergren lab is saying 33mm/Hr for me.  Not sure about that one.  It says it can detect cancer, but isn't a sure thing.

[rumpled]

No - it is an inflammatory marker and so it is not specific for anything. Just that you have inflammation.

They will have to do other tests - and keep an eye on that. Did they do other inflammation markers like CRP?

[catlover72]

CPR normal too.  

[rumpled]

Did they do ANA?

BTW I have two cats - they are squished into my little avatar there...

[catlover72]

Didn't see a ANA test...?  Mid December and I will find out.  I will for sure let you know.

[shaun78811]

I am a 34 year old Male. The last two years I have been dealing with high prolactin levels ( triple amount of what a male should have according to my Dr) I had a brain MRI and it didnt show anything. I continued to have blood tests fasting and non fasting and the prolactin levels were still high. I was referred to a Endocrinologist and she found a nodule on my thyroid and now I am getting a ultra-sound on my thyroid. I often wake up with nigh sweats and feel tired but I always though from working odd hours and my job. Any advice would help.. I feel like i am getting to the point of not knowing whats wrong or if triple the amount of prolactin in males is dangerous..
thanks

[catlover72]

High prolactin levels can infer different issues like kidney issues, medication side affects, etc.  As you know, health care is extremely expensive and I can see you are very worried.  The health professionals would make you aware of any life threatening issues.  Quick second opinions can be costly, repetitive testing and time off from work and can cause much anguish.  I would encourage patience with your current physician.  Earlier this year, I had what was called a Fine Needle Biopsy on the thyroid nodule.  I can reassure you, if the doctors felt your life was in jeopardy they would let you know.  You are reaching an age where primary doctors can't fix everything anymore.  This is coming from someone who is finding all about that too.  I am 40 and am seeing more specialists over my family doctor ever than before.  
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003718.htm

[shaun78811]

Does the Fine Needle Biopsy hurt? My Dr had mentioned that after getting the Ultra sound done. Its so frustrating because my testosterone levels are fine and she said in males usually high prolactin levels means low levels of testoserone levels. I come from an athletic background never smoked or did and drugs. I do not even drink. I guess i just wait for the ultra sound tests and go from there.

[shaun78811]

I guess my point is I have lived a healthy life and knowing something is wrong but not knowing what it is worries me to a point.

[rumpled]

I have had many FNA - fine needle aspiration biopsies... they are not exactly painful - it is more pressure.

I never smoked or drank either - I cannot imagine the shape I would be in if I had or would do!

[LivingInHope]

I had what was notated as a possible cyst on my pineal gland.  I got my melatonin level checked and it was normal.  I got another MRI later (follow up for pituitary microadenoma which wound up having disappeared).  The radiologist for that one said what was on the pineal gland was calcification and it was common as a person ages- nothing to be concerned about.

See PM for some info I found in my pineal journey.