A member asked:

Mri for my sister shows 4days old massive edema surrounding a 4cm liquid mass .is the open brain surgery is the best thing if the tumor normal or not?

8 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Craig MacArthur answered

Specializes in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Surgery necessary: Your post is a little unclear so if i misstate the facts please repost. You describe a 4 cm liquid mass with massive surrounding edema. Certainly a mass with surrounding edema is worrisome for a malignant brain tumor. However, most would describe a brain tumor as solid mass on scans. Other possibilities include brain abscess that might look liquid. Surgery would establish correct diagnosis.

Answered 3/10/2021

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Dr. Atif Haque answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Spine Surgery

possibly biopsy: Hard to really say without seeing the mri, but an open surgery might be best if the mass is in accessible locations. Alternatively, a biopsy or aspiration using computer guidance might be another option if the mass is in eloquent areas or very deep. Talk to your neurosurgeon.

Answered 12/9/2013

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The "massive edema" is troubling, and raises concerns of a brain abscess, but also perhaps a metastasis from a remote cancer. This is clearly an indication for, at the very least, a brain biopsy, to initiate appropriate therapeutic planning.

Answered 3/11/2021

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