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Brain Tumor
My daughter had a seizure, a year ago (Dec. 06). She was taken to hospital for three days. In February we had an MRI done and a tumor was revealed to the left frontal lobe. The tumor was removed (gross removal) and a biopsy was done. The biopsy indicated that incision were not free. The Neurologist indicated that radiation must be done. However, it so happend that the country I went to start therapy had problems with their machine. We then went to the US for treatment. However, when we got there, the doctors had requested that the blocks be sent to the hospital in order that a new biopsy be done. When the biopsy was done, the indicatedt hat she does not need radation. I am bit concerned that one doctor said yes, therapy and another said no.
Are astrocytoma tumors malignant? Could someone please explain this to me?
Thank you.
Are astrocytoma tumors malignant? Could someone please explain this to me?
Thank you.
Hi Kitlyn:
I am sorry to hear about your medical issues. Just pray and everything will be fine. I have a lot of faith and many prayers were offered up for my daughter and I strongly believe prayers really do work. I know of two female individuals who were told they have tumors and now the doctors are saying they arent seeing any tumors at this time. So hope and pray this may be the case with you.
Hi Caliber:
I am praying that the tumor doesnt grow back. Am really trying to be positive but it's only human nature I would be very concerned and worried. Thanks for you help.
Another question. She's presently on tegretol and I noticed she keeps sayign she's getting this feeling, but can't really explain what it is she feeling. Could this be a side effect of the medication? She is telling me she feels nauseated, but am not sure if she knows exactly what neauseated feelings are like.
I am sorry to hear about your medical issues. Just pray and everything will be fine. I have a lot of faith and many prayers were offered up for my daughter and I strongly believe prayers really do work. I know of two female individuals who were told they have tumors and now the doctors are saying they arent seeing any tumors at this time. So hope and pray this may be the case with you.
Hi Caliber:
I am praying that the tumor doesnt grow back. Am really trying to be positive but it's only human nature I would be very concerned and worried. Thanks for you help.
Another question. She's presently on tegretol and I noticed she keeps sayign she's getting this feeling, but can't really explain what it is she feeling. Could this be a side effect of the medication? She is telling me she feels nauseated, but am not sure if she knows exactly what neauseated feelings are like.
Hi Hanzz,
Hi Adreene,
Surveillance and careful follow-up are necessary because of the reality that any tumor have tendency to regrow.
Most often regrowth occurs at the same site where the tumor arose.
Low grade astrocytomas are less likely to regrow, but chances are still there.
Bye.
Hi Adreene,
Surveillance and careful follow-up are necessary because of the reality that any tumor have tendency to regrow.
Most often regrowth occurs at the same site where the tumor arose.
Low grade astrocytomas are less likely to regrow, but chances are still there.
Bye.
Hi i am glad your daughter is doing okay. She is indeed very brave. Scary thing . I had two lessions found on my brain last July of 06, and they could not rule out a tumor a t that time, until my lesions got less pronounced. They still don;t know what i have. I will pray that it doesnlt return. Peace, to you all. Kit
Hi Caliber:
Thanks for your response. I just need to put my mind at ease. This has been a very traumatic time for me and I am trying to understand all medical terms since her diagnosis.
What about re-growth? Do you think it is highly likely the tumor can grow back?
Hanzz
Thanks for your response. I just need to put my mind at ease. This has been a very traumatic time for me and I am trying to understand all medical terms since her diagnosis.
What about re-growth? Do you think it is highly likely the tumor can grow back?
Hanzz
Hi,
I am sorry Rosenthal's fiber's in the biopsy suggests that diagnosis is Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, which is classified as WHO grade I.
Presence of Rosenthal's fibers in biopsy was not the indication for radiation therapy.
The clinical management of LGA's focuses on a multimodal approach incorporating surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is indeed used for cancer and is a part of management of tumors.
I am also sorry to notify Hanzz as father and not as dear mommy.
Bye.
I am sorry Rosenthal's fiber's in the biopsy suggests that diagnosis is Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, which is classified as WHO grade I.
Presence of Rosenthal's fibers in biopsy was not the indication for radiation therapy.
The clinical management of LGA's focuses on a multimodal approach incorporating surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is indeed used for cancer and is a part of management of tumors.
I am also sorry to notify Hanzz as father and not as dear mommy.
Bye.
Hi Caliber:
This is her mommy here (smile). Ok, I will read up again on Rosenthal's fibers. Thanks for your input.
This is her mommy here (smile). Ok, I will read up again on Rosenthal's fibers. Thanks for your input.
Hi Hanzz,
Hi Adreene, your father is proud to have you as a daughter.
I am happy to know that her recent report is normal and there is no evidence of residual or recurrent mass lesion.
It's nice to see that father and daughter are taking care of each other.
Also it is good to know that she is back to school.
Occasional areas showing Rosenthal's fibers in first biopsy reported was the cause for child being asked for radiation therapy apart from surgical excision.
The second biopsy report suggests the diagnosis is clear and no further intervention is required.
Is Adreene on Chemotherapy as well?
Bye.
Hi Adreene, your father is proud to have you as a daughter.
I am happy to know that her recent report is normal and there is no evidence of residual or recurrent mass lesion.
It's nice to see that father and daughter are taking care of each other.
Also it is good to know that she is back to school.
Occasional areas showing Rosenthal's fibers in first biopsy reported was the cause for child being asked for radiation therapy apart from surgical excision.
The second biopsy report suggests the diagnosis is clear and no further intervention is required.
Is Adreene on Chemotherapy as well?
Bye.
Hi Caliber:
The size of the tumor was 4 x 2.5 x 1.5.
An MRI was done on, 22nd November 2007 and said this:
Focal volume loss in left frontal lobe perisylvian in location with prominence of extra-azial CSF space in that region and prominent enhcaing vessle of post-contrast images suggestive of post-operative changes.
No evidence of residual or recurrent mass lesion.
Suggested clinical correlation and follow up.
The size of the tumor was 4 x 2.5 x 1.5.
An MRI was done on, 22nd November 2007 and said this:
Focal volume loss in left frontal lobe perisylvian in location with prominence of extra-azial CSF space in that region and prominent enhcaing vessle of post-contrast images suggestive of post-operative changes.
No evidence of residual or recurrent mass lesion.
Suggested clinical correlation and follow up.
She's doing very well now. Back to school and doing ok. She is a very very brave child. Don't think I would have been able to handle this as well as she did. We both went to counselling and I intend to continue for a while.
Hi Caliber:
The first biopsy said this:
Secions show cellular tumor composed of mature firbillary astrocytes surrouding microcystic formation focally containing small eosinopphilic amorphous nodules. Ocassional multinucleted astrocytes are seen but mitotis are rare. Ocassional areas show the Rosenthal's fibres. Features are those of a well differentiated astrocytoma. Excision margins are not free.
Second biopsy:
The tumor reveals pleomorphlic, bizzare looking astrocytes some with galnglioid appearnce, vacuolated lipidized or xanthomatous cells, perivascular lymphocytes, abendant reicticulin psotive areas(though not pericellular), focal angiomatous areas and storngly positive for GFAP and several scattered cells are also positive for synaptophysin. Some neurolpatholgists vie this tumor understandably as some form ganglioglioma in view of positive cells are also expressing GFAP; PXA with ganglionic differentitiation is the preferred term. No mitotic activity is sen in the tumor. In addition Ki-67 and P 53 are minimally positive.
Claical PXA is accorded grade II by WHO. In a tumor with histology as in our case, rich with EGBs and with no evidence of mitotic acitivity or even proliferative activity (ki-67) and necrosis; complete surgical excision remaints the choice of treatment. Even though chemotherapy (vincristine, carbaplation) is used to decrease vacularity of the tumor to facilitate surgical excision, radiation therapy especially in young patient has no role in grade II PXAs. No anaplastic features (mitotisi, necrosis, small cell component) are psrent in this tumor to warrant radiaton therapy.
Path Code: Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with Ganlgionic Differentiation.
The first biopsy said this:
Secions show cellular tumor composed of mature firbillary astrocytes surrouding microcystic formation focally containing small eosinopphilic amorphous nodules. Ocassional multinucleted astrocytes are seen but mitotis are rare. Ocassional areas show the Rosenthal's fibres. Features are those of a well differentiated astrocytoma. Excision margins are not free.
Second biopsy:
The tumor reveals pleomorphlic, bizzare looking astrocytes some with galnglioid appearnce, vacuolated lipidized or xanthomatous cells, perivascular lymphocytes, abendant reicticulin psotive areas(though not pericellular), focal angiomatous areas and storngly positive for GFAP and several scattered cells are also positive for synaptophysin. Some neurolpatholgists vie this tumor understandably as some form ganglioglioma in view of positive cells are also expressing GFAP; PXA with ganglionic differentitiation is the preferred term. No mitotic activity is sen in the tumor. In addition Ki-67 and P 53 are minimally positive.
Claical PXA is accorded grade II by WHO. In a tumor with histology as in our case, rich with EGBs and with no evidence of mitotic acitivity or even proliferative activity (ki-67) and necrosis; complete surgical excision remaints the choice of treatment. Even though chemotherapy (vincristine, carbaplation) is used to decrease vacularity of the tumor to facilitate surgical excision, radiation therapy especially in young patient has no role in grade II PXAs. No anaplastic features (mitotisi, necrosis, small cell component) are psrent in this tumor to warrant radiaton therapy.
Path Code: Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with Ganlgionic Differentiation.
Hi Hanzz,
I am sure the doctors you are consulting now have a better outlook than the doctor who was seeing Adreene before.
I still want to know whether complete resection was done or partial resection was done.
The prognosis would change and also the management changes.
Imaging study at regular interval remains same.
We need to decide whether or not radiation therapy is needed.
I told you standard practice in those patients with partial resection and stable neurological status is to follow up the patient clinically and radio logically.
Can you put up a note of both biopsy reports?
How is Adreene doing otherwise? Is she a brave lady?
I am sure the doctors you are consulting now have a better outlook than the doctor who was seeing Adreene before.
I still want to know whether complete resection was done or partial resection was done.
The prognosis would change and also the management changes.
Imaging study at regular interval remains same.
We need to decide whether or not radiation therapy is needed.
I told you standard practice in those patients with partial resection and stable neurological status is to follow up the patient clinically and radio logically.
Can you put up a note of both biopsy reports?
How is Adreene doing otherwise? Is she a brave lady?
Hi Caliber,
All MRIs she had done was done with contrast. The last one indicated no residue no new growth. As stated, the one biopsy indicated that radiation is needed (biopsy done in Trinidad) the other biopsy,(done in the US) the doctors stated no radiation is needed. We are doing follow-ups, every 6-12 months an MRI has to be done. I am so concerned about the tumor growing back. And whether it is really benign.
My daughter's name is Adreene.
Many happy returns!!!
All MRIs she had done was done with contrast. The last one indicated no residue no new growth. As stated, the one biopsy indicated that radiation is needed (biopsy done in Trinidad) the other biopsy,(done in the US) the doctors stated no radiation is needed. We are doing follow-ups, every 6-12 months an MRI has to be done. I am so concerned about the tumor growing back. And whether it is really benign.
My daughter's name is Adreene.
Many happy returns!!!
Hi hanzz,
Grade 1.5 to 2 suggests that she has low-grade astrocytoma (LGA).
What was the MRI report like? Was a contrast enhancing MRI being done?
The clinical management of LGA's focuses on a multimodal approach incorporating surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Surgery is the primary therapeutic modality for LGA's. After complete surgical resection the overall survival rate approaches 80-100%.
What was the type of resection done for your daughter was it partial or complete?
In those patients with partial resection and stable neurologic status, the current approach is to follow up the patient clinically and radio logically.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
What is your daughter’s name?
Bye.
Grade 1.5 to 2 suggests that she has low-grade astrocytoma (LGA).
What was the MRI report like? Was a contrast enhancing MRI being done?
The clinical management of LGA's focuses on a multimodal approach incorporating surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Surgery is the primary therapeutic modality for LGA's. After complete surgical resection the overall survival rate approaches 80-100%.
What was the type of resection done for your daughter was it partial or complete?
In those patients with partial resection and stable neurologic status, the current approach is to follow up the patient clinically and radio logically.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
What is your daughter’s name?
Bye.
My daughter is 11. The report indicated it's a 1.5-2 grade astrocytoma. There were no other symtoms, just he seizure, hardly any headaches. Yes she was diagnosed after the biopsy.No, there were no reports of Juvenile pilocystic astrocytoma. The doctors indicated radiotherapy is not needed in this case, however, she needs to be closely monitored by having an MRI done every 6-12 months. The crantiotomy was done Feb. 07, and MRI was done in June 07 and another in late Nove. and everything was normal. There were no signs of new growth nor residue.
Hi Hanzz,
How is your daughter feeling now?
I feel sorry that your daughter has to go through all this? How old is she? Apart from seizure did she have any other symptoms?
I assume that your child was diagnosed as having Astrocytoma after biopsy report.
Astrocytomas are the most common pediatric brain tumors and account for approximately 40% of cases.
Before I proceed further to tell you about the malignancy part of astrocytoma, I would like to know what grade is Astrocytoma on biopsy report.
Have they reported as child having Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma?
Malignant Astrocytomas are much less common in childhood accounting for only 7-10 % of all tumors.
Radiation therapy needs to be given even in low grade astrocytoma.
Hope this helps.
Keep me informed about her health in general and about her tumor per se.
Bye.
How is your daughter feeling now?
I feel sorry that your daughter has to go through all this? How old is she? Apart from seizure did she have any other symptoms?
I assume that your child was diagnosed as having Astrocytoma after biopsy report.
Astrocytomas are the most common pediatric brain tumors and account for approximately 40% of cases.
Before I proceed further to tell you about the malignancy part of astrocytoma, I would like to know what grade is Astrocytoma on biopsy report.
Have they reported as child having Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma?
Malignant Astrocytomas are much less common in childhood accounting for only 7-10 % of all tumors.
Radiation therapy needs to be given even in low grade astrocytoma.
Hope this helps.
Keep me informed about her health in general and about her tumor per se.
Bye.
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