My 42 year old niece has been in treatment for astrocytoma for exactly 1 year. She just received this information and would like a laypersons interpretation of what it says for my benefit. Could a physician please help with this? Thank you very much in advance.

Subject: MRI 2/18/08 1 yr appt update


Technique: Axial T2, T1, FLAIR T2, diffusion, sagittal T1 and ostcontrast axial and coronal T!-weighted MR images of the brain are reviewed.

Findings: There is redemonstration of a heterogeneously enhancing solid and cystic lesion in the mid left frontal lobe extending into the insula. There is also involvement of the amygdala and inferoposterior left frontal lobe. Associated vasogenic edema is present. There are small areas of ring enhancement present centrally within the lesion. Three of these lesions are noted measuring 5 to 6 mm in diamter. These are slightly smaller since the previous scan and are more clearly defined. Centrally, there is increased cystic change within the lesion and a decreasing amount of solid tumor component. While the overall dimensions of the lesion are essentially unchanged at 6 cm anteroposterior x 3.4 cm mediolateral . 3.5 cm cephalocaudad, the central component is more cystic since the preivious study and may indicate response to therapy.

There are no new separate lesions. Minimal mass effect on the left lateral ventricle is present, but there is no evidence for shift of the septem pellucidum.

There is a left frontal craniotomy/biopsy change.

Ventricles, sulci, and cisterns appear normal. Major intracranial flow voids appear normal. Orbits appear unremarkable. Posterior fossa structures are unremarkable. Minimal sphenoid sinus mucosal thickening is present.

Conclusion:

1. Solid and cystic left frontotemporal mass lesion consistent with history of astrocytoma.
2. Findings discussed with Dr. Huber of the oncology service immediately following the scan.