MRI Scan

JohnDaniels

What exactly can a neurologist tell from an MRI scan. If they have found a tumour, can they tell anything more about it such as is it Cancerous, how big, speed of growth etc?

They have found a tumour but that is all we have been told. A biopsy can't be performed for another 10 days. What can they tell from the initial MRI?

Caybar

Hi op,

Ive been through the process recently (had a large pituitary tumour removed on Monday)

In my case, the doctors could tell the size/location of the tumour, whether it has started to interfere with surrounding structures that could cause other side effects or complicate its removal/treatment.

In my case , from the characteristics they saw in the MRI, blood tests and symptons i was having they were able to deduce the type of tumour i had and from that could tell me its very slow growing (they think i had it 10-15 yrs) and unlikely to be malignant.

I know you must be very worried, when i found out first, i was very shocked and didnt ask many questions.

Now that you have had some time to process the news, it would be good to talk your doctor again , he/she may be able to answer some of your questions and put you at ease.

I wish you all the best.

JohnDaniels

Thanks for your post. I hope your recovery is going well and I appreciate your response more than I think your will ever know. We have had the complete run around with regards the MRI and information in general. Hopefully armed with a bit more knowledge I will be able to get more information when speaking with the doctors as because as you say the shock meant nothing of importance was asked or answer in the initial meeting

CathyMoran

It is a long time ago since I had them, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2006, in my case a biopsy had already been done when they did an endoscope so it was just staging.

I do understand that it all goes over your head when they say tumor. Do have a list of questions written down or at least get someone with you who can ask questions when you get the results. Best wishes.

nikkibikki

Caybar wrote:

In my case , from the characteristics they saw in the MRI, blood tests and symptons i was having they were able to deduce the type of tumour i had and from that could tell me its very slow growing (they think i had it 10-15 yrs) and unlikely to be malignant.

May I ask, and tell me to feck off if you want, but what symptoms led them to suspect something might be there and to have an MRI done to have a look? I've been suffering with headaches for 20 odd years and they are getting worse lately. GP says is Muscle Tension Type Headache. I am not so sure.

Caybar

nikkibikki wrote:

May I ask, and tell me to feck off if you want, but what symptoms led them to suspect something might be there and to have an MRI done to have a look? I've been suffering with headaches for 20 odd years and they are getting worse lately. GP says is Muscle Tension Type Headache. I am not so sure.

Sorry havent checked this in a few weeks.

For me specifically, my eyesight slowly got worse and worse over a period of a few years but i just put it down to getting older. Early this year i started to really struggle reading the computer screen at work, (unable to focus/double vision). Over a period of 6 months i visited opthamologist 3 times, initially they diagnosed me with computer vision syndrome/ dry eyes . eventually they did a test and fond my peripheral vision was severely degraded in both eyes (never really noticed myself :O)
At that point they reccomended i go see a neurologist. Got a CT scan and they found the culprit.

Had the tumour removed 4 weeks ago, vision has improved slighlty and will hopefully continue to improve over the next 12- 18 months.