Cyst?

[Justasis]

My sister was diagnosed a year ago with a "large" AN.  We were told a few months ago that it had grown 5cm and she had gammaknife last month.  She went downhill quickly and had an MRI done Saturday.  She had to be admitted to the hospital today because she was unable to walk, (too weak and off balance).  The doctor told her today that there is some type of growth on the outside of the tumor, he said it was like a cyst  Has anyone heard of this before? 

Mindy

[Crazycat]

5cm seems a bit too large for just gamma knife. Mine was at 5cm and I had problems walking. That's for sure! She probably needs surgery.


    Not sure what to say.     Paul

[HeadCase2]

Mindy,
  I'm assuming that you meant 5 mm (rather than 5 cm), which is 1/2 cm.  In some of the things I've read, cysts where descibed as fluid filled.  I'm guessing that this "cyst" is pressing on some of the cranial nerves around the tumor.  I'm also guessing (I'm certainly not a doctor) that they will suggest some steriods to try and reduce swelling long enough to see if the cyst will perhaps deflate.  If it doesn't deflate, and continues to cause major problems they may recommend surgery.
  It's not unusual for an AN tumor to swell for a while after radiosurgery, so I'm hoping that these symptoms are temproary for your sister.
Regards,
 Rob

[windinthesails]

Hi Mindy,
   When I had my MRI done they found a cyst as well as the tumor. I was told that a cyst is just like a fluid filled sac and told me it was nothing to be too worried about. Hopefully your sister gets better soon.

Mary

[lmurray69]

  Hi Mendy, I also have a cyst mine was above my tumor and I had surgery and they removed the tumor but could not reach the cyst,  The DR said it would not cause me any problem . I am only 21 day postop LindaOh also I should te;; you I had radiation in 2005 of feb.. The tumor was growing  so i got it removed..

[okiesandy]

Cystic AN's are quite common. Mine was cystic and I had Cyberknife in Jan. 05. The cyst seems to be shrinking along with the AN. Your sister may be haveing some swelling issues with the whole tumor. I she on steroids?

Sandy

[Joef]

5cm ? .. are you sure .. GK on a 5cm is a bit shocking .. maybe it was 3cm when we started GK and it grew to 5cm? what age is your sister?

GK would have a little swelling ..  in turn would cause more symptoms .. like having trouble walking , hearing ... etc ...

[Sam Rush]

 5 cm is too big for gamma knife in a person healthy enough for surgery.