ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: inmaine724 on January 23, 2012, 11:33:39 am

Title: Interpret results from one year proton therapy Mass Gen
Post by: inmaine724 on January 23, 2012, 11:33:39 am

Hi all!
So I don't know who remembers me, but I had my one year follow up since my Proton Radiation down at Mass Gen last winter.  I wonder if anyone can help me to interpret the results?  The Doctor said everything was good, which I'm thrilled about, but I like to know what the words mean as well. 
It says:
The previously identified left IAC Schmorl's cell tumor, treated with proton radiotherapy has involuted compared to the prior study from 2010. There remains a small amount of enhancing material and the intra-canalicular portion has decreased more in size than the extra-canalicular component.

First, what is Schmorl's cell mean?  And the rest?  Anyone? 

Hope everyone is doing well!

:-)   Danielle

Title: Re: Interpret results from one year proton therapy Mass Gen
Post by: Jim Scott on January 23, 2012, 02:59:20 pm

Hi,  Danielle ~

I'm delighted to learn that your 1-year MRI follow-up came back with good news.  However, the words in the report are a bit confusing.  The medical dictionary seems to indicate that a 'Schmorl's cell tumor' is more of a node and appears in the vertebra, not the IAC.  However, they are benign and usually have no symptoms so I wouldn't be concerned (your doctor wasn't). 

'Involuted' means it's gotten smaller since your last MRI (2010).  The phrase: 'enhancing material (likely meaning the remaining tumor) has decreased' is a good thing (its gotten smaller). 

Please understand that I'm not a doctor and this MRI report is a bit confusing to me, too, which is why I suggest that you not allow yourself to get too wrapped up in trying to understand the radiologist's jargon - which can give you a headache.  :)

Jim