Brain tumor...to be or not to be operated?

Question

I have an aunt who's in her 60's and she's been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Do you think it is worth it to have her operation done, even though the doctors warned us it's a very risky operation and the chances are 50-50, and it will cost a lot of money?

Sorry to add this additional details just now, the brain tumor is malignant, and she's now bed ridden and feeds through a tube connected to her nose, we don't have lots to afford the surgery... I just want opinions in regards to this... if it's worth it will push it through to come out with the money... thanks for all your answers!

Answer 1

Our bony skulls can only tolerate so much of any additional growth and lessening of space. The rate of growth is a factor. It depends on many things like quality of life issues, life expectancy, health insurance or medicare,or estate monies available. I'm in my 60's and I would want to go for it. There are benign tumors that should definitely be removed if they are in a place where they can be safely reached. Malignant tumors that are likely to recur, I might not go through the bother myself, as the recuperation is very painful only to have it return—again a quality of life issue. If these were metastatic lesions from a cancer in another place, I would throw in the towel. You need good council from your neurosurgeon and additional consultation..

Answer 2

You need to discuss her specific case with her neurosurgeon or even run her case by a different neurosurgeon. It is impossible to answer this question to full satisfaction jsut like this. You need to consider the type of tumor - you say it is malignant - however there are multiple types of malignant brain tumors, some of which respond quite well to surgical resections, other might not. If for example it is a metastasis it usually can be easily resected, but if it is a high grade glioma the surgery is more complicated an the outcomes less favorable.

Also you need to consider the location as tumors in the brain stem or eloquent areas of the brain are harder to resect without causing significant injury. Finally you should consider the intended outcome. Often with malignant tumors the intent of surgery is not to cure the surgery but to remove mass effect offf the brain in order to give the person a better quality of life during the remaining months or years of life.

Overall your aunt needs to consider all these factors and make a decision.

Answer 3

My dad has had two brain tumor surgeries. We were given GRIM chances both times. However, each time he came through fine and was out of the hospital within a week. (He was in his early 50's with the first one and mid 50's with the second.)

He is doing GREAT now. However, his neurologist has recently found 3 more small tumors. They are waiting to see how aggressively these tumor grow to see if/when they need to surgically remove them.

My advice for your aunt: If the tumor is causing her a great deal of pain and confusion, then the removal of it can eliminate BOTH of those things. (They did for my dad, because the removal of the tumor released the pressure the tumor was causing on his brain.) However, if the tumor is VERY slow growing and is not causing her any great deal of problems right now, she may want to let it go. My dad had his first tumor for a little over 10 years before it even caused him any problems. BUT DEFINETLY GET THE DOCTORS OPINION.....maybe 2 doctors.

By the way, Prayer helps, and a brain tumor is not necessarily THE END. God Bless You and your aunt.

Answer 4

When I was 8 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but it was far into my brain, and said I had a risky 50-50 chance of survival. They found out it was benign, and not worth taking the chance, because it would do more damage getting in to the brain than worth it...I am now living with the brain tumor, but it doesn't affect me or my health, I don't notice or pay attention to it. I get MRI's continually, but it doesn't grow, you should make sure it's benign and won't affect her...if it is then you don't need to go through with it, if it's malignant, you should take the risk.

Answer 5

Hi, I guess you would have to weigh the odds. How long does she have without the surgery? Is it cancerous? How does your aunt feel? what does she want? Is she a fighter? I have a friend who's had brain surgery and has been doing well for 2 years. They could only get part of his tumor out. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Did they till you how much function she could lose. If it will make her unable to enjoy life i would say no so she could enjoy her life. But if there is a possibility to enjoy her life afterwards I would say yes. Regardless of money A life is verry important. Don't know the whole situation so really can't say. Sounds like you don't want to pay for operation. But they do take payment plans. My friend is going through the same thing with her dad.

Answer 7

my sis in law died from a brain tumour she ended up in a hospice so we were told..our family hated her after wot she put my brother through...long story anyway... In your case i think your aunt needs to make the decision....with the doctors saying its risky its a cach 22...does she have the op only to have it prolong her life for say 6 months,does she refuse and live for however or does she have the op and die during surgery which can happen im sorry to say..maybe your family should all sit down and chat with your aunt and see wot she feels as this is going to be herchoice ... best of luck hun xxxxx

Answer 8

I'm a nurse and go and get a second and even a third opinion, it's so worth it. There are many options for your aunt. Take care and all the best.

Answer 9

it is a benifit risk ratio
and depends of the judgement of the surgeon
coz the main problem on operating tumers is the metsatisis (one cancer cell can escape and migrate to another tissue and groe there)
but if it is necessary u must take the risk.

Answer 10

If the doctors say she will live 10 years with it. not operating would be my choice. Also ask her.its her brain.