brain cancer cause spinal leak???

my dad was diagnosed with a squamos cell brain tumor and had it removed. he had a pet scan and the brain was clear but the cancer was in his lymphnodes just a little bit so he then went through radiation for 6 weeks then 2 months later developed staph infection that took over his forehead bone and the drs went in and removed the entire bone. then about 3 months later the cancer was back so he then did chemo 1 day every 3 weeks for 6 treatments. 1 month after that he developed a fistula and went for surgery and had it covered with 2 skin graphs 1 from the thigh and 1 from the inner arm. after that surgery his left eye was  stuck closed and his right eye was fine. he was not suppose to blow his nose for 2 months but did and blew another fistula in the crease of his skin graphs. on his way to get that one stitched he started leaking spinal fluid and they did an mri and said the cancer was back and it took over the roof of the brain. my question is do you think that the cancer coulve caused that leak that suddenly? what is your oppinion on this whole thing as well. cant wait to hear from you thank you have a great day.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

I am a bit confused on the timing of your description of your father’s medical history. Was the PET scan recent? Is it possible that the cancer never went into remission after it was diagnosed the second time? Is the “new” fistula near the old fistula? It is hard to answer your question fully, but I would think that the cancer was there longer than you realize. Additionally, it is not clear if the “new” fistula may actually be the old fistula but now leaking through the surgical wound.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[dizzylizzy925]

the pet scan was around may of 2009.Im sure that the cancer was gone the pet scan didnt show any and the tumor that was removed had clean edges... the new fistula is rite on the seam of the old one. where the skin graph was stitched at. and is the fistula like dead skin or what is it exactly??? i think the cancer was there for a whiile your rite. should we get a second opinion?

[dizzylizzy925]

ooops i spelled your name with an m im sorry dr Newey