ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: madison on April 16, 2009, 03:46:57 pm

Title: shrinkage
Post by: madison on April 16, 2009, 03:46:57 pm

hello. i had gamma knife a year ago. i don't think there is any shrinkage of the tumor on my most recent mri.(although i don't see the neuro. til next wk) i was wondering if anyone out there has heard of the tumor shrinking after more than 1 yr. has passed since GK.i appreciate any info. you can give me. thanks:)

Title: Re: shrinkage
Post by: mk on April 16, 2009, 06:12:34 pm

Shrinkage does not happen always. In fact the medical literature reports shrinkage in about 30% of cases. If it does happen, it often happens in the long term (much longer than a year). Success of the treatment is usually judged by a "stable" size, ie. no growth. Often darkening at the centre of the tumor is seen at 6-12 months, but again this is not necessary.

Marianna