William Wetzels wrote:
> A few weeks ago, my wife (47), after some MRI-scans, got the following diagnosis (sorry,
> it is in Durch, but I`m sure the professionals will understand):
>> CARVENEUS HEMANGIOOM
You are probably referring to a cavernous hemangioma.
>> This tumor should be located in the " hersenstam" ( my encyclopedia tells me that the
> latin term is " Truncus Cerebri".
It is hard to tell exactly where you are referring to. This is very
important for the questions you ask later.
> My questions:
>> - What is it exactly? What does it do?
A cavernous hemangioma is a mass of enlarged blood vessels. It takes up
space in the brain tissue and disrupts their normal functioning.
> - What will happen if nothing will be done?
It is hard to say. If nothing is none, the symptoms would not likely
get better. Also, because these are enlarged blood vessels, bleeding
could occur.
> - What can be done?
I am only familiar with neurosurgical removal as a treatment for this.
Still, it is not my specialty.
> - What are the risks?
> - What are the chances?
> - Is there a chance she will be able to live a normal live again?
All of these questions depend on the size and location of the hemangioma
as well as other aspects of your wife's health. Your doctors there
would be better judges of that.
> - Are there any specialists who could deal with this problem and could help her?
As I said earlier, neurosurgeons would be the most likely help.
Some of these can be removed with little problem and few residual
symptoms. I know you are concerned, but the best judges of your wife's
condition and prognosis are the doctors taking care of her.
Good luck to you and your wife.
John