Test methodology for Brain tumors

[Agent11]

My girlfriend is getting on me to see a doctor, I have a fairly good sized bulge forming on my skull and have been having odd headaches for years.. Would a blood test be sufficient to determine if cancer is involved or would they need to do an MRI or CT scan?
If there are any oncologists in the house that would be great lol.

Although if anyone has any personal experience in this area I would be grateful.

At least I'm not smelling burning feathers.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Agent11
My girlfriend is getting on me to see a doctor, I have a fairly good sized bulge forming on my skull and have been having odd headaches for years.. Would a blood test be sufficient to determine if cancer is involved or would they need to do an MRI or CT scan?
If their are any oncologists in the house that would be great lol.

Although if anyone has any personal experience in this area I would be grateful.

At least I'm not smelling burning feathers.

If you can feel it on your skull, it's probably not a brain tumor. Brain tumors are rarely (never?) palpable.

Now, it's still possible that it might be a tumor. Maybe skin, muscle, endothelial, etc etc. None of which are particularly common. There are many many other things it could also be besides.

Usual diagnosis for a brain tumor would likely start with a neurological exam (checking reflexes, motor function, vision etc.) followed by an MRI or a cat scan etc.

In any case, I'd agree with your girlfriend that seeing a doctor is a very good idea. Something most every type of cancer has in common is that earlier diagnosis leads to a much better prognosis.

disclaimer - I'm not an oncologist or even an M.D. My Ph.D is in cancer, sort of. Neither diagnosis nor the brain are my strengths... I'm more of a gene regulation and development type.

 

[Agent11]

well, its not like a growth outside my skull.. the skull itself is being deformed.. not a whole lot although it is noticeable compared to a year or two ago.

Anyways, I have an appointment.. Just without Insurance I know an MRI is going to kill me financially.
Although if it is cancer I can kiss my finances goodbye.

Bah, if it where just up to me I would probably let it go.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Agent11
well, its not like a growth outside my skull.. the skull itself is being deformed.

See a doctor. ASAP.

Edit: forget ASAP, see one today. Not tomorrow, today.

 

[Agent11]

Thanks, I don't like doctors very much although it looks like a can't avoid it.

 

[Mark R]

Blood test alone won't tell much. You certainly won't get a 'yes/no' cancer answer, and you probably won't even get a 'maybe' either.

If it's something that you can feel on your skull, then it's unlikely to be a brain tumor. These are inside the skull, and tend to press on the brain first (because it's soft) rather than on the skull.

Unfortunately, there's a long list of things that your description could be. So a proper work up will involve a visit to a physican and a physcial examination. Further tests will depend on the result of the consultation.

If it really is a bone lump, then X-rays and possibly a CT scan would likely be the first steps. Maybe a bone scan as well.
If the doctor wants to be sure there's nothing inside, then a CT and possibly MRI would be likely.

Unfortunately, it's not possible to be specific without knowing all the details - including the findings from a physical exam, as the tests may be quite different depending on the suspected diagnosis.

But, just in case you haven't got the message yet - you need to see a doctor about it. I'd try and get the earliest convenient appointment. That doesn't mean run down to the ER, but it also doesn't mean delaying the appointment for 4 weeks because you're busy.

 

[imported_bearfx]

As everyone else has stated, it is unlikely to be a brain tumor. Their are a number of conditions that can cause abnormal growth, some of which can feel quite hard from the surface.

You have a very good chance that it is simply a benign growth that can be removed on an outpatient basis. Do not depend on this! Go to a doctor, and have it checked out. Yes, a CT or MRI is expensive - but your life is worth a lot more. Depending on the physical exam, these may not even be required.

Many area's have reduced cost clinics available. Check them out, as they can save you some money.

 

[dkozloski]

In some areas WalMart along with the $4.00/month prescriptions is offering $45 doctor visits.

 

[TraumaRN]

GOTO A DOCTOR NOW!

Get blood work done, followed by CT w/contrast and MRI w/w/o contrast

If they see something in there they'll probably want to remove and biopsy it.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/06/60minutes/main665263.shtml <---- they're trying to get dogs to sniff out cancers now. Interesting read.

anyways, YES GO TO A DOCTOR ASAP!!!

 

[Kreon]

As somebody stated, Wal-mart offers plans

Also (dunno if they're in your area) look into Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurances
They've been advertising deals in my area, and they're pretty cheap (or so they say)

See if your employer or college (if you're in it) has any special plans

If worse comes to worse, see if you can get a AAA discount (or ANYTHING else you belong to). You never know what might have one

Good Luck

 

[devolutionist]

He's probably going to have a problem at this point getting insurance - not many will touch him until his "pre-existing condition" is resolved. Of course, some might - but it'll cost an arm and a leg.

I lost a son to a brain tumor - what the others have said is right - if it's outside the skull, it's unlikely to be a brain tumor - more likely something benign like a huge cyst of some kind, which will be fairly easily removed.

Please keep us posted on what the doctor says.

 

[Agent11]

I went to the doctor, well an hmo. She referred me to a real doctor but it is going to take a week or so to see him.

I probably should have just gone to a real doctor in the first place, she is alright for minor things but the fact that it takes 20 minutes on hold to talk to someone who speaks english should have tipped me off that it would be over her head