Stereotactic Brain Biopsy

Hello.  I am new to this forum.  I respect everyone here for their bravery, candor and compassion. 

I was diagnosed 7 years ago with multiple sclerosis due to a large (3.5cm x 4.5cm) lesion on my left thalamus.  I was on therapy but not responding well.  In December, my neuro referred me to UTSW MS clinic.  After several months of waiting, I saw the specialists there and they disagree with the diagnosis of MS.  They lean toward a tumor diagnosis. I have been through a battery of tests, the most recent being a stereotactic biopsy of the lesion on 7/3.

My follow up appointment with the surgeon was originally scheduled for today then postponed until 7/12.  Today, the nurse called to tell me that my tissue was sent for "molecular studies" and that the follow up appointment needed to be postponed until after 7/17, when the results would be back.  The nurse confirmed to me that it is unusual for these studies to be ordered and for them to take so long.

I am going crazy sitting on pins and needles.  I had accepted my MS diagnosis but since April I have had this tumor possibilty looming.  Why molecular studies?  Because they think it is a tumor?  Has others' experience with this biopsy been similar?  

Thank you for reading.

I don't know. Our experience with pathologists' reports is that they take longer than expected. The regular pathologists' reports are done to determine tumor type. More complex analyses (such as a FISH analysis) can be done to find out the genetic characteristics of a tumor; these can take even longer. I wouldn't panic particularly about "it's a tumor". Some tumors can be a lot less serious than MS. Wait until the report comes back, and then see if there's anything to worry about.

On Jul 11, 2012 12:14 AM rascalsmommy wrote:

Hello.  I am new to this forum.  I respect everyone here for their bravery, candor and compassion. 

I was diagnosed 7 years ago with multiple sclerosis due to a large (3.5cm x 4.5cm) lesion on my left thalamus.  I was on therapy but not responding well.  In December, my neuro referred me to UTSW MS clinic.  After several months of waiting, I saw the specialists there and they disagree with the diagnosis of MS.  They lean toward a tumor diagnosis. I have been through a battery of tests, the most recent being a stereotactic biopsy of the lesion on 7/3.

My follow up appointment with the surgeon was originally scheduled for today then postponed until 7/12.  Today, the nurse called to tell me that my tissue was sent for "molecular studies" and that the follow up appointment needed to be postponed until after 7/17, when the results would be back.  The nurse confirmed to me that it is unusual for these studies to be ordered and for them to take so long.

I am going crazy sitting on pins and needles.  I had accepted my MS diagnosis but since April I have had this tumor possibilty looming.  Why molecular studies?  Because they think it is a tumor?  Has others' experience with this biopsy been similar?  

Thank you for reading.

hi my name is Donna {lulu5} i have cns lymphoma a type of brain cancer. They first thought I had MS.On avenoex shots for a while. would love to here from   lulu hopoe to talk to you

Thanks to both of you.  It's hard to believe that here I am almost a week later with no results.  I'm very anxious.