High Grade Glioma

Hi

My sister has oligodendroglioma 14 years ago.  She has had 4 resections since.  Six months ago was her last resection.  Her recent MRI scan reads "evidence of large area of high signal in left parietal area.  Large amount of enhancement and oedema in both hemispheres on T2.  Considerable low signal suggesting previous haemorhage.  Appearances consistent with high grade glioma which has clearly increased in size since previous imaging.

My sister has really gone downhill in last six weeks.  She has right sided paralysis and now her left side is not too good, i.e. coordination and strength.  She is not due to go back to neurosurgeon for 3 weeks.  I think she needs to see dr sooner.  What does her MRI mean and how long do you think she has?

Many thanks
Dolly

[rumpled]

I am so sorry to hear about your sister.

"Oedema (edema)" is swelling by fluid (normal for tumors). Enhancement means it was brighter, Low signal means it was darker. Being lighter or darker tells the doctors what types of lesions they are by how they take up the contrast or how they look. The last sentence indicates that the glioma has decreased in size since the previous MRI. Parietal [lobe] is more at the middle of the head.

As for the other questions, I am afraid that I cannot, or know anyone that can answer, how long she has... I would just strive to make the time as happy as possible. If the doctors want to see her sooner so be it, but nothing on the MRI seems to be striking.

I wish you both well.