Spectograph MRI

My father diagnosed with GBM in April and appears on the follow up MRIs than he is having progression with his first tumor and another one that has appeared.  His doctor is doing the spectograph MRI..does anyone know what this tell the doc?

Hi,

My husband is having one in early November to check for possible progression.  The MRS is a more detailed view and shows different levels of chemicals so that the doctor will see what is happening with cells.  I think it comes down to what chemicals are being processed by cells.   I have checked around, and it's a reliable method.

Thanks so much for the info...his results are available and waiting for the doctor...I am very nervous I hope it's good.  I will keep you also in my prayers for good news!!

I hope it is all good news for you!  Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. SO nervous.

Thank you for the infor...I am scared for the results but it sounds like nothing to be scared of....so if I am right it just confirms a tumor or does in confirm damaged tissue?  I don't think we need anymore bad news.  God bless you!

That's right, it will confirm if it is tumor or damage/necrosis. There is a lot of analysis that goes into it. For example, if there are higher levels of certain chemicals in the suspicious area, then it is more likely to be tumor, because they know that tumor uses those chemicals.   Best of luck, keep us updated!

Maybe you can help me with this...they did one a week ago and for some reason want another one.  I have already thought it to be a two tumors but I know they can't say that with out prove.  Could this be bad news for him.  I am scared for him why they want one back to back.  Please help shed some light. 

God Bless

Vicki

Hi Vicki,

Don't panic yet.  It may just be that the results were inconclusive.  From what I understand, there is a tipping point. If certain chemicals show up more, then they conclude that it is more likely to be tumor.  I hope I am describing that well.  It sounds like maybe your dad's test came up without it clearly being tumor. 

If his results were ambiguous, they want to retest.  (Which is torture, I know!)   My husband's NO said there have been times when they get people into the OR for what they think is tumor, and it turns out to be necrosis. THey want to be sure of what is going on.  Ask them why they want to re-test.  It's okay to ask questions!  I've found they're happy to answer- and I usually have lots of them.

Let us know how things go.