PLEASE HELP ME MAKE SENSE OF THIS! Thank you in advance.

[Suki64]

I recently had an MRI of Brain done because of suspected MS. I am 49yrs old. This is what my report revealed. Can anyone please tell me if these gliomas are the same as the lesions that are typical for a person with MS? All of the differant terminology is confusing to me.

The tectal plate and inferior pineal are diffusely enlarged, and increased in signal on FLAIR/ T2 images, decreased in signal on T1 precontrast images. No appreciable enhancement on the postcontrast T1 weighted images. Findings are worrisome for tectal glioma measuring 1.9 cm(craniocaudad) by 0.7 cm (AP) by 1.0 cm (transverse). This finding is best shown on axial images 8-15. Other considerations include a PNET, ganglioglioma, ependymoma, or primary pineal tumor. There is associated abnormal increased T2 and FLAIR signal extending into the posterior thalami and down along the Brainstem into the deep posterior pontine white matter. Findings are worrisome for edema or gliosis related to tumor.
No other lesions are present worrisome for tumor. No deep periventricular white matter lesions worrisome for demyelinating disease.
ANATOMY: no congenital anomalies. Normal vascular flow voids. Pituitary fossa normal.
CSF SPACES: normal in size and contour. No hemorrhage. No aqueductal stenosis. No hydrocephalalus.
CEREBRUM: no evidence of hemorrhage, mass, or extra axial fluid collection. No abnormal enhancement post contrast.
POSTERIOR FOSSA: internal auditory canals, cerebellopontine angles, mastoids normal. No enhancing lesions. No abnormal enhancement post contrast.
DIFFUSION IMAGING: negative for acute or subacute infarction.
ORBITS: no masses. Globes normal.
PARANASAL SINUSES: no fluid levels. Mucosa normal.
OTHER: no other significant finding.

IMPRESSION: findings worrisome for Brainstem glioma.

[HVAC]

A diagnosis is an important thing. The unknown is scarey.  I hope you get answer soon. You could ask if they have a Cancellation sooner for them to call you.

Alex

[Suki64]

Thank you so very much for you reply, advice, and kind encouragement. It is much appreciated.
  I have faith that life is a journey in which we are given situations in order to learn and grow. I know that I can make it through whatever is placed before me. I just want to know what it is exactly that I am dealing with.
  God places people in ones life for a reason. Thank you for answering Him as I believe He called upon you to comfort me at this time.

[tingletingle]

Suki64,
Deep, deep breaths. I pray you will be okay. It doesn't look like MS but most likely low grade brain tumour with generally good outcomes. They won't be able to tell exactly until more tests but from research sounds like it will be watch and wait.

Ok, this sounds worrisome, stressful to you and your family but hang on a minute. There are so many different types of brain tumour out there and with our modern technology it seems to be that most have pretty darn good outcomes! I have a bit of insight as I had one the size of a golf ball successfully removed in October last year. My friend had the worst type the size of a grapefruit removed 2 years ago with a 90% of dying and he is still jogging, riding his bike and enjoying his family.

So, when you Google MS it's a bit distressing but when you start Googling brain tumour you find yourself seriously upset, traumatised, and looking for something strong to calm you down. Information is power but my advice is to be very careful about the site you look at.

I did a quick search and found that tectal gliomas are usually slow growing and don't normally require further treatment until they reach 2.5cm which would be shunting the blood supply due to its tricky location.

If you have faith this is the time for it. When you visit your specialist please take another loved one with you so you can compare notes. This is a very emotional ride but I hope you can focus on the hear and now and not try to dwell on the unknown.

All my thoughts, prayers, fingers and toes crossed for you.
Blessings
Alex