Brain Tumors: Concerns and Survival Rates for Patients

Please help me?

Hello, Doctor.
My brother is 32 years old and went to the emergency room due to dizziness and discomfort, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
He is scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor tomorrow.
There are three small tumors and one large tumor measuring 4.5 cm in the left hemisphere.
After the surgery, a biopsy will be performed to determine the next steps for treatment.
The doctor mentioned a high probability of metastatic tumors, but he has had no significant issues during regular health check-ups, so how could this happen? He only has hepatitis B and no family history of disease.
If it is indeed metastatic, what is the survival rate? Is there a possibility that it is not metastatic? Can it be completely treated? I am very scared.

Ling, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/14

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology

Dear Ms.
Ling,
I acknowledge your letter and would like to respond as follows:
1.
Your brother has three small and one large tumor in the left hemisphere of the brain, with the largest measuring 4.5 cm.
This is associated with a high likelihood of metastasis, as primary brain tumors are usually singular.
Further examination is needed to determine the origin of the metastasis.
Tumors that can spread to the brain may originate from lung cancer, liver cancer (your brother is a carrier of hepatitis B), gastrointestinal tumors, or germ cell tumors.
2.
What is the survival rate? Is it curable? The prognosis depends on the origin of the primary tumor.
However, radiation therapy for metastatic brain tumors has shown very good results.
Please do not lose hope, and I wish your brother a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Lai Yi-Cheng

Reply Date: 2016/03/14

More Info

Understanding brain tumors, especially in the context of your brother's recent diagnosis, can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainty. Your brother's situation, with a 4.5 cm tumor and the presence of multiple smaller tumors, raises several important considerations regarding the nature of the tumor, treatment options, and survival rates.

Firstly, the distinction between primary and metastatic (or secondary) brain tumors is crucial. Primary brain tumors originate in the brain itself, while metastatic tumors are those that have spread from other parts of the body. Given that your brother has a history of hepatitis B, it is essential to consider that certain cancers, such as liver cancer, can metastasize to the brain. The likelihood of the tumor being metastatic is higher when multiple lesions are present, as is the case with your brother. However, it is also possible for a primary brain tumor to present in this manner, particularly in younger patients.

Regarding survival rates, these can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of tumor, its location, the extent of its spread, and the patient's overall health. If the tumor is indeed metastatic, the prognosis can be more challenging, as it often indicates that cancer has progressed in other areas of the body. In contrast, primary brain tumors can sometimes be more treatable, especially if they are detected early and are operable. The specific type of tumor will ultimately dictate the treatment plan and prognosis. For instance, glioblastomas, a type of aggressive primary brain tumor, have a lower survival rate compared to meningiomas, which are generally more benign.

The surgical removal of the tumor is often the first step in treatment. After surgery, the pathology report from the biopsy will provide critical information about the tumor type, which will guide further treatment options. If the tumor is found to be malignant, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended. Conversely, if it is benign and completely resectable, the prognosis can be significantly better.

It is understandable to feel fear and anxiety during this time. It is important to maintain open communication with your brother's medical team. They can provide clarity on the specific type of tumor, the expected outcomes, and the next steps in treatment. Additionally, support from family and friends can be invaluable during this challenging period.

In summary, while the diagnosis of a brain tumor is serious, many factors influence the prognosis and treatment options. Understanding whether the tumor is primary or metastatic is critical, as it will significantly impact survival rates and treatment strategies. Surgery is often the first step, followed by further treatment based on the tumor's characteristics. It is essential to stay informed and engaged with the healthcare team to navigate this difficult journey effectively.

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