Pontine Brain Tumors?

Question:

My mom found out a few days that she had this brain tumor. I was wondering if anyone new about it or facts. I know its rare in adults, more in young children. Anyone know of any treatments or the life expectancy? Hers isn't localized meaning its in the middle of her brain not on the outter? Please, anyone?

Answers:
Disease Information
Brain Tumor: Brain Stem Glioma
Alternative Names:

Definition

The brain stem consists of the midbrain, pons and medulla located deep in the posterior part of the brain. Tumors that arise along these structures are called brain stem gliomas. Most brain stem gliomas occur in the pons ("pontine gliomas"). The pontine tumors have a poorer prognosis than the less common midbrain and medullary gliomas.

Incidence

Brain stem tumors account for 10 percent of pediatric brain tumors. The peak incidence is between ages 5 and 10.

Clinical Features and Symptoms

Pontine brain stem tumors affect the cranial nerves, causing symptoms related to the nerves that supply the muscles of the eye and face, and muscles involved in swallowing. These symptoms include double vision, inability to close the eyelids completely, dropping one side of the face, and difficulty chewing and swallowing. The tumor also affects the "long tracks" of the brain, with resultant weakness of the arms or legs and difficulty with speech and walking. Symptoms usually worsen rapidly because the tumor is rapidly growing.

Tumors arising in the midbrain usually affect only the nerves supplying the eye muscles. They also block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, causing increased pressure with headaches and vomiting. Tumors involving the medulla usually cause swallowing problems and weakness of the arms and legs.

Survival Rates

Pontine Gliomas - The patients' symptoms often improve dramatically during or after six weeks of irradiation. Unfortunately, problems usually recur after six to nine months, and progress rapidly. Survival past 12 to 14 months is uncommon, and new approaches to treating these tumors are urgently needed.

Midbrain/Medullary Gliomas - With the use of radiation therapy, these patients often do well. Long-term survival ranges from 65 to 90 percent for brain stem tumors that arise from the midbrain or medulla.

Treatment Strategies

Surgery is not generally possible because these tumors (especially pontine gliomas) are widely spread within the brain stem and can not be removed. Surgery may be possible in the few patients where the tumor is very localized.

Radiation therapy has been the main treatment approach

My prayers are with you and your mom..
Good luck..

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You have to act fast before it started to get worsened.

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Pontine Brain Tumors?

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