brian tumor surgery, what's best?

[sarah]

Hello,
My best friend, like me had bc, but 10 years ago her daughter had a brain tumor that luckily wasn't cancer, now it's come back. It was near the front so even last time effected some social skills.
They mentioned doing a surgery where the patient remains conscious so that they can tell how things are being effected so as to be able to stop??? Not sure what they're talking about or what is the best solution. We are all in France which may or may not have the most advanced knowledge about this. the daughter was a nurse but had to give it up after first tumor.
I've only heard about cyberknife on this site and I'm not too sure what that means. Naturally I am worried even if it isn't cancerous although a recurrence to me sounds like cancer.
any thoughts, suggestions, what's the best way to proceed???
thanks
hugs
sarah
co-founder of CSG06 a cancer support group for cancer patients, caregivers in the south of France

[Carol Ann]

Hi Sarah, I have no experience with brain tumors, but just wanted to say I am sorry about your friend's daughter. There are women here who do have experience with the cyberknife treatment; I am sure someone will be along soon to give some advice.

Carol Ann

[lkc Gumby]

Hi Sarah. Yes, a non cancerous brain tumor can recur. Menigiomas typically are found in the frontal lobe, and are slow growing, and not cancer.
It would be most unusual for a cancerous brain tumor to be deemed non cancerous.
In any event, she needs to speak with her neurosurgeon and find out her original diagnosis and what options they are presenting.
Perhaps a family member or friend can accompany her during the discussions. That would be most beneficial.
Good luck, and wishing her well

[sarah]

thanks for your good wishes and advice.
I am hoping someone with experience could tell me something about the procedures now available.
I read a good short description for the cyberknife:

http://www.cyberknife.com/cyberknife-treatments/brain/how-used-treat-cancer.aspx

looks and sounds good.

thanks
sarah

[StephN]

Hello Sarah,
Very sorry to hear that the tumor has returned. I also have heard of non-cancerous tumors coming back after years.

The type of semi-conscious surgery you mention is done here often and quite successfully. How it works is that the area of surgery is completely numbed, the patient does not go under general anesthesia. This way the surgery team can get verbal feedback from the patient as they operate.

If the tumor is rather deep or hard to reach in a tricky position, they may want to use this method for the best safety of the patient.

Let us know the next steps.

[sarah]

Thanks Stephanie.
love sarah

[Freakzilla]

Sorry to jump on the thread but does anyone know if SRS can be done on the Motor Cortex region?

Thanks