Good and Bad News

[kraynok2]

I have good news and bad news.       I had my 3 1/2 month follow-up MRI last week and my doctor's appointment this week.  My MRI showed everything good in my head--no residual mass and the tumor no longer present.  However, something showed up in my throat.  Dr. Chen does not know what it is since he only does ears.  We were shocked and I was pretty upset.  The thing is, it says that it was on the first MRI, but that is not on my copy or Dr. Chen's.  Here is what it says: 
      Again seen is a multiloculated cystic mass within the parapharyngeal/deep parotid space and soft tissue on the right.  This does show enhancement of these septations and this measures approximately 3.3 x 1.4 x 2.3 cm and is unchanged from prior study.  Diffusion-weighted imaging shows no restricted diffusion to suggest acute or evolving infarction.  There are a few nonspecific foci of T2 hyperintensity which is nonspecific and may relate to microvascular ischemic changes.  There is no intraaxial hemorrhage.  Major intracranial flow voids are preserved.  Impression:  Enhancing multicystic  mass within the right parapharyngeal space.  Differntial considerations include cyctic changes in the parotid neoplasm or possibly a vascular malformation.  This is unchanged from prior study.
    Has anyone had or heard of anything like this?
    I was going to go to WVU over spring break, but decided I did not want to wait 2 weeks.  I called Dr. Chen's office and they referred me to a throat person.  Can you believe that I was able to get an appointment for this Monday?    My principal asked me if I couldn't find a doctor for spring break.  I told her I did not want to wait that long.  I want to know what this is and if it is serious.  Since it says malformation, I hope it's something I've had all of my life.  I have always had trouble with crumbs, peanuts, etc. getting stuck in my throat.  I tried to look-up some information on the Internet, but it is not as clear as the AN.  There must be at least 50 different things listed for cysts, lesions, and tumors and most of the information was in medical jargon.
    So let's hope for the best.  I guess it never seems to end.  I'll keep you posted.
Sandy
     

[CHD63]

Oh, Sandy .....

First of all, hurray for a clear MRI on the AN removal!!  Secondly, as you already know, I am not a doctor.  However, my gut feeling is that this new area is something you have probably had for a long time.  Also, I have learned that radiologists do not all read the same MRI the same way.

That being said, try to stay calm about it until you talk with the throat specialist.  There may be a perfectly benign explanation for what is showing on the MRI.  Where did you have your MRI?  Pittsburgh or Morgantown?  Was it the same imaging facility as your diagnosing MRI for the AN?

Many, many prayers.

Clarice

[Jim Scott]

Sandy ~

Well, congratulations on the good news and try to remain relatively calm on the 'bad' news. I won't even try to decipher the radiology report but, in my non-professional opinion, I agree with Clarice that whatever the radiologist saw, it most likely isn't a serious threat to your health.  That may not be all that reassuring but when I see comments such as 'no restricted diffusion to suggest acute or evolving infarction' and 'There is no intraaxial hemorrhage.  Major intracranial flow voids are preserved', I see them as describing something that is benign, at the least and inconsequential at best but because it showed up, it has to be noted.  Like you, we'll hope for the best and look forward to your 'report' of your consultation with the new (throat) doctor. 

Jim

[Tumbleweed]

Hi, Sandy:

I know what you're going through. I had a similar experience on my first followup MRI following CK treatments -- a second brain tumor was discovered at that time. Looking back on previous MRIs taken at another facility, the tumor was there in the films; it had just been overlooked. I'm sure you're in a state of shock.

The report said it might be a "vascular malformation." I was told the same thing initially about my second tumor, so I think I probably know what they're guessing it could be: a cluster of blood vessels. If that's the case, it would be totally benign and, I'm pretty sure, nothing to worry about.

We'll all be waiting anxiously to hear what your appointment reveals. Good luck!

Best wishes,
TW