Question 1

dad,oscar,was told stage 4 lung cancer 2.5 wks ago. 1/3 sz brain tumor removed. 3 brain lesions. in bones&pos liver. would u cyperknife brain tomorrow?

Accepted Answer

It depends: If you are 76, your Dad must be late 80s or early 90s.  At such an advanced age it may not be worth being so aggressive with terminal cancer that at such advanced stage means he has only few weeks to few months left. However, if his desire is to be aggressive, Cyberknife is an effective an low risk procedure and I would recommend it highly. Otherwise, hospice care is very appropriate.

Question 2

what's the deference between a brain lesion and a brain tumor?

Accepted Answer

Some times synanimus: Brain tumor means it is a tumor benign or malignant  term lesion is used for  besides tumor , non tumor diseases which occupy brain tissue,    before  diagnosis is established

Question 3

mri showed brain lesion... what will they do next? and can it be something seriouse. if it was a brain tumor would they have known from this mri

Accepted Answer

Follow up: Discuss this with your doctor. Usually an MRI especially if done with contrast is a great tool to describe brain lesions/masses. However, it all depends on what is exactly that was seen. In some cases some other testing might be necessary.My advise is to discuss this with your doctor and discuss  the MRI report in detail with him(her). During the discussion further plan of action should be decided

Question 4

can eye doctors know if you have a brain tumor or any other brain disease by an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Just suspicious: A good eye specialist can use the eye exam as a window into the brain.  However, the exam can only suggest that some pathological process is occurring.  Once an abnormal feature is discovered, specific tests need to be performed to investigate the cause.  This usually involves brain imaging, spinal tap, specific blood and spinal fluid analysis, even brain surgery.

Question 5

what causes brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Multi-factorial: There are 4 things that contribute to all tumors: 
1. Genetics
2. Mutation inducing factors (examples: smoking, drinking, etc). 
3. Aging
3. Unknown causes (there are definitely people without family history or obvious "bad habits" that develop brain tumors).

Question 6

how are brain tumors treated?

Accepted Answer

Tough area: Some brain tumors are benign (most meningiomas), but others are far more difficult (gliomas and secondary cancers).  Treatment varies, but includes surgery, radiation, gamma knife, and occasional chemotherapy.  If the situation becomes complex, additional interventions such as various medications, and shunts may be employed.

Question 7

how are brain tumors identified?

Accepted Answer

MRI , then biopsy: Usually patinets present with new neurologic symptom. Seizure, headache, nausea, vometing, stroke like symptoms
next imaging usually a MRI scan is obtained
biopsy confirms pathologic diagnosis.

Question 8

what are the types of brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Many: There are way too many types of brain tumors to list in 400 letters. In short, we grade brain  tumors from grade 1 (benign) to grade 4 (cancer).  The most common example of grade 1 tumors are pituitary tumors and meningiomas. The most common grade 4 tumor is glioblastoma (gbm).

Question 9

how commom are brain tumors in peiple in their twenties?

Accepted Answer

Varied: Depends on the type of tumor
pituitary tumors or pineal gland cysts may be more common than more serious tumors.

Question 10

are brain tumors curable?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Depending on the type of tumor and location, brain tumors can be treatable and/or curable, but often the treatment is difficult and true cure is not attained. Typical treatment involves some combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

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Doctor answers about:

Brain lesions vs brain tumors

A member asked:

Dad,oscar,was told stage 4 lung cancer 2.5 wks ago. 1/3 sz brain tumor removed. 3 brain lesions. in bones&pos liver. would u cyperknife brain tomorrow?

A member asked:

What's the deference between a brain lesion and a brain tumor?

A member asked:

Mri showed brain lesion... what will they do next? and can it be something seriouse. if it was a brain tumor would they have known from this mri

A member asked:

Can eye doctors know if you have a brain tumor or any other brain disease by an eye exam?

A member asked:

What causes brain tumors?

A member asked:

How are brain tumors treated?

A member asked:

How are brain tumors identified?

A member asked:

What are the types of brain tumors?

A member asked:

How commom are brain tumors in peiple in their twenties?

A member asked:

Are brain tumors curable?

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