After Brain surgery whats in place of the tumor???!
Question: My fiance had brain surgery to remove a type 2 astrocytoma tumor the size of a golf ball. We have been to Mass General and supposedly have the best doctor but he isnt real good about answering our questions. What is in the place of the tumor after its removed from her head?? I know they put a plate over the skull but what about underneath. She had a crainomy. She also has huntington's chorea but not symptomatic, shes 32. Should she seek radiation?? Thanks My e-mail address is jktbl_05@yahoo.com any and all information is very much appreciated
Answers: My fiance had brain surgery to remove a type 2 astrocytoma tumor the size of a golf ball. We have been to Mass General and supposedly have the best doctor but he isnt real good about answering our questions. What is in the place of the tumor after its removed from her head?? I know they put a plate over the skull but what about underneath. She had a crainomy. She also has huntington's chorea but not symptomatic, shes 32. Should she seek radiation?? Thanks My e-mail address is jktbl_05@yahoo.com any and all information is very much appreciated
The cavity will simply fill in with CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). I've never heard of a gel being used... Eventually the cavity should reduce in size, in my sons case tumor cells grew around the edges and it never got smaller but became a cyst. He also has a grade 2 astrocytoma.
I know for younger kids with this grade tumor they often remove as much as possible surgically and then wait to see what happens. However, with an adult they may decide to be more aggressive, I'm not sure because all my experience is with my son and he's 2.
I do know Mass General is a great hospital and it sounds like your fiance is in good hands. BUT, when in doubt get a second opinion... or more, lol. I don't know of all the 'best' places for adults, but I know Duke has a great brain tumor program for both adults and kids.
Best of luck,
Jessica
Usually like tissue and if it dug into the actual skull, titanium is often used to replace the lost bone
There's a procedure that can be done to suck the brain tumor out.
Ive had brain surgery to remove a tumor in my right temporal lobe. All that is left is scar tissue now.
From what I was told, when a Tumor grows, it pushes the brain aside a little and when it's removed the brain can move back over. There are cases where a small part of the brain is removed too. Fluid can collect there so they put in what's called a shunt. It's a tube that goes from the head to the stomach and the excess fluid drains from that. I don't know much about the rest of her condition,but I will keep her in my prayers.
When a very large brain tumor is removed the space is filled with a gel. Small tumors do not need it.
If your friend is being treated at Mass General, my opinion is that she will get excellent treatment. They have every sort of radiation and refer people who need it very easily.
You might consider talking to the ABTA [American Brain Tumor Association].
http://www.abta.org/
Later:
I had a rather large tumor, hence the gel.
Mass General is one of the best hospitals to go to; so is Cleveland Clinic where I went. Generally, when a tumor is removed, there is nothing put in it's place. It's the brain, there's not supposed to be anything there.
As for radiation therapy, there are many types now, Gamma Knife, Proton Beam, Radiostactic, etc. that may be useful. But I would talk to the doctors and see what the next course of treatment is.
I would also recommend getting a second opinion before you do anything else so you can explore all your options.
Good luck.