CAVERNOUS ANGIOMA AND ANGIOGRAPGHY?

[Barb__0__0]

  Again, many thanks for providing such an informative and resourceful Forum for so many people!
  Having recently read a post from another writer regarding the use of an Angiography following the detection of a cavernous angioma, I am curious to learn if such an exam is a standard order for such a condition.
  I was recently DX with what is most likely suspected to be a caverous angioma in the right temporal lobe (2 MR with contrast have been performed). It has been explained that due to the lack of a tissue sample for a conclusive biopsy, 100% certainty as to the DX is not possible (my Nuero is hestitant to operate in the area if not necessary, and prefers to first build a "history" to monitor any changes in characteristics to support his assumption)
  As a caverous angioma affects the flow of blood through vessels in the brain, I am curious to learn if an Angiograph in the effected area would help to further support his DX.
  Many thanks for your consideration and time!    
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Dear Barb,
Cavernous angiomas are benign tangles of blood vessels in the head.  They have a classic appearance on MRI that is usually diagnostic, though they were right in saying that you never know until you have tissue.  Cavernous angiomas usually present with signs from a bleed or with seizures.  When symptomatic and accessible surgically, they are best treated with surgery.  Surgery is curative.
A cavernous angioma in the right temporal lobe is surgically accessible in the vast majority of patients.  The risk that surgery would cause a new neurological deficit in this region is low.  Speak to your surgeon about the accessibility of this lesion and whether it needs to be resected or not.  Don't forget to ask why and have him explain it so you understand what is going on.
Good luck.