Can surgery make my brain TUMOR more aggressive?

Hi, I had an MRI scan done a couple of years ago which revealed a lesion in my left temporal lobe. Either a silent Benign tumor or low grade. Have had conflicting messages from 2 different surgeons as to what to do. One is a very eminent British surgeon who practically waved me away and even told me not to bother with having yearly scans. The other surgeon was scrubbed up and ready to lay me out on the operating table.

The question I have and which I keep forgetting to ask during consultation is: Let's assume that this tumor is benign and non-life threatening. Can the very act of performing surgery on it have the effect of tripping some mechanism which will either turn the tumor more aggressive or otherwise make it more likely to grow back bigger than before?

[Dr Vinod]

The tumour if it is benign and does not have any rapid growth is better off leaving it.
It is difficult to go for surgeries involving brain and the position of the tumour in the brain makes it more difficult at places where it cannot be reached.
You have to have proper diagnosis of the tumour and go for the surgery if only the tumour is growing or else neglect it. Take care!

[Fred9]

I'm just not sure how you can get a proper diagnosis of the tumor from the result of a scan alone. Initially my neuro thought it could be a low grade glioma in which case I'm assuming it has the potential of turning into something nastier. Wouldn't it be better to have it resected while it's still low grade?
Problem is, I have one surgeon who was quite happy to operate and another who seems to think it's not even worth monitoring the tumor.
Thanks for your response.

[Dr Vinod]

The tumour growth is the main factor to consider the seriousness for surgery.
The neurosurgeon has to assess the speed of growth and the location of the tumour.
If it is fast growing tumour it has to be resected as it will cause space occupying problems and symptoms galore.
The 1st surgeon based on the location and the agressiveness of the tumour has taken the decision of going conservatively to neglect it as it is not causing any symptoms.
The 2nd surgeon is going ahead for surgery because he thinks the location is suitable for surgery and he can do this with minimum aftermaths for you.
Discuss the pros and cons and follow up over a period of time with a repeat MRI and then go for the surgery.

[Fred9]

Any surgery would be elective so I have to take control and start making decisions soon.
Thanks for your input.

[Seedy73]

I had a similar situation with a low grade glioma. I was diagnosed 5 years ago. The saw two neurosurgeons (both highly eminent) and the first told me there was no point in doing anything at all. The second said he would definitely operate. I have had three craniotomies in total and just finished a 6 week course if radiotherapy. The tumour keeps coming back but it is still low grade and I have no symptoms.
Let me know how you get on and if you want to ask me any questions. Hang in there, take care and don't listen to anyone who tries to take away your hope.