Diagnosis
Mass lesion of the left lateral ventricle of the brain without cerebrospinal fluid circulation impairment and without clinical symptoms. Increase in size over time. Gliotic focus in the left frontal lobe.
Patient:
Female, 38 years old, Belarus
Physician:
Professor Martin Scholz, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Sana Kliniken Duisburg
Patient’s Questions
Despite the fact that I currently have no complaints or symptoms, my local neurosurgeon recommends surgery. Is it necessary to perform an operation to remove the tumor?
Response from Neurosurgeon Professor Martin Scholz
I have reviewed the current MRI scans of the brain as well as the scans performed two years ago. Indeed, two years ago the lesion in the left lateral ventricle was still small — only 8 mm. Now the process has become more diffuse (less well-defined), and the tumor has increased in size, although overall it does not yet present an immediate danger. The lesion does not accumulate contrast agent, and most likely we are dealing with an ependymoma or an astrocytoma.
However, I share the same opinion as my colleague at your place of residence. In this case, it is necessary to perform at least a histological examination, and ideally, microsurgical tumor removal.
Estimated treatment cost: 30,000 Euro