Brain mets/scar tissue

[StephN]

Just had this conversation with my med onc 2 weeks ago.
My large tumor (3cm) that was Gamma Knifed in Jan is still showing only some shrinkage. The shape is not the same, but the area is still quite visible.

He said as long as it did not change by growing larger, we can assume that the treatment worked. If it did begin to grow a PET of the brain could help tell us what is going on. The glucose uptake would be more than the normal uptake in the surrounding tissue if it were active disease. Inflammation looks different than the tumor or necrotic tissue, and would also show uptake and would be an indication of active tumor.

I say get all the tests you can before deciding. But the idea of removing the scar tissue and getting a biopsy seems reasonable to me.

Wishing you guidance and peace.

My oncologist basically said the same thing your oncologist said. Monday and Tuesday I get these test done and then meet with my neurosurgeon on Wednesday, I should have everyones opinion by next week. My neurosurgeon has told me in the past the only sure way is a biopsy. The doctors feel that because I have been NED elsewhere for over 5 years why take a chance? I am not so keen on having any more invasive surgery so I am in mimbo and waiting for next week to be over!!