A friend of mine, who I met through my cancer journey, has the same staged astrocytoma as I do. However she has been told that hers is inoperable due to its position and location. She has never had a craniotomy to remove the tumour, only a biopsy. She has now been told that the tumour is still present after treatment but stable, and so I guess it’s a watch and wait kind of thing.
Obviously, I don’t want to bombard her with questions but I find it difficult not having answers.
What would be the reasons for them not removing the tumour? Like I understand benefits vs risk etc, but surely if it’s going to come back then it would be better to try and take it out? I would’ve thought a craniotomy would be the first go to for treatment. Maybe there is so much I don’t know, but I’m just wondering if anyone has any idea as to why so that I can begin to understand? Thanks!
Hi eljane98
sorry to hear about your friend.
Sadly not every tumour is operable. A long time ago, my late mother-in-law was diagnosed with a mass on/in her brain. They were able to biopsy it but knew that it was in too dangerous a position to remove it. Sadly she never even recovered from the biopsy and passed away peacefully a few days later.
Even with a craniotomy neurosurgeons don't always have the ability to remove the entire tumour. They have to consider so many factors and the impact of the surgery itself. There are so many variables for them to consider but if you think of one of the main medical ethics - do no harm- then I hope you can understand the reasons.
It's cruel and I wish there was a magic surgical tool that could remove all tumours without adverse impacts on people but sadly we're not there...yet. Maybe one day...
I hope that helps.
love n hugs
Wee Me xx
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