Any radiologists or neuros? Extremely worried

[SallyJupiter]

Hi everyone,

Posting in AIBU for traffic.

Are there any radiologists or neuro folks here who would be happy to answer some questions and clarify some points for me on a recent MRI my husband had please? I'm absolutely spiralling as they found something in his brain. I have his permission to post about this btw.

Many thanks in advance.

Copy & paste the results in ChatGPT

What have they told you so far?

what did his doctor say about the report ?

I’m very sorry that you are going through such a worrying time.

However, I strongly suspect no medical professional is going to be able to give anything other than fairly generic answers. They can’t discuss the details of your DH’s case.

What people may be able to do is help you write the list of questions you need to ask his doctors.

I’d never ask for medical advice on here! Sure as God, someone will come along with ‘I don’t mean to alarm you OP, but…..’ and give you a story about someone they knew who had ‘exactly the same thing…’ that lead to a tragic ending!! Please take advice only from the dr’s treating your husband.

I did this; I even included the scan images, and it came up with reassuring results and helped to break down the medical terminology but wasn't particularly helpful beyond that. Any tips on how to make it more useful?

The hospital have told us nothing. He had an MRI with contrast but the hospital near us doesn't have a neuro surgeon so they've had to refer the images on. The initial radiographer who read his first MRI said he thought it was benign so I'm holding onto that hope. I just wanted a second opinion really.

Nothing. The first MRI that found the mass was done privately. The NHS hospital he went to did a CT and then an MRI with contrast, but they don't have anyone at the hospital who is trained to interpret the scans apparently. All they can say is that yes, there is a mass there

You're absolutely right, and I think I realised that after I'd posted. I just panicked and we've had such little information from anyone at the hospital that I'm for someone to offer any other information possible.

Any question suggestions would be amazing.

You're right. I suppose I just wanted someone who could explain everything clearly, as the NHS hospital he went to initially couldn't give us any info beyond 'yes there is a mass there', as apparently they don't have a neurosurgeon.

But didn't AI give you a reassuring result? The radiologist said it looks benign, and it sounds like AI has agreed. I'm not sure what answer anyone else can give you that you've not already had? Try and rest easy.

Are you sure they didn't say they don't have neuroradiologist? Head scans ideally need to be reported on by a neuro radiologist, as they are better at interpreting the images.

PS The non-neuroradiologist obviously can't see anything abnormal but has to get it checked by the radiologist in that field to make sure they aren't missing anything, to be perfectly certain.

Sorry, missed the bit about the mass but good they think it is benign. Lots of brain masses are - I am sure you will be contacted soon about a follow up consultation to discuss it..

My brother had glioblastoma diagnosed by mri. They knew what it almost certainly was as soon as they saw it, and his surgery was really quick after the scan.
If they think it's benign then it really is highly likely to be. I know waiting is hard, but with bad news they don't hang about, so try to take some comfort if you can

Same with my son.

There are lots of factors with brain masses. They aren't being unhelpful but it isn't as simple as benign or malignant. They will be trying to get the scan reviewed as quickly as possible, and if there were immediate symptoms that needed to be dealt with they could still do that without knowing the exact mass type.

If he's been allowed to go home while they sort everything out, that's reassuring.

Images like these this are often reviewed at an MDT, which usually happen weekly.

i suspect that everyone is waiting for a collective opinion and that if your husband is well then there is nothing urgent (next couple of days) that needs doing.

OP do you know what an MDT is ? It’s useful to understand as that’s probably what they are eating to do and that are usually weekly as someone said below .

Same with my husband.

Who referred you for the scan? Or did you go to A&E? Just wondering what the pathway to the MRI was as that might help in working out where to go for more info on timelines etc. Do you just have the images from the scan or is there also a written report?

As with the previous posters' experience, when we had the worst kind of MRI they immediately knew it was some form of high grade glioma and he was immediately put on steroids and anti-seizure medication and given a very quick appointment with a neurosurgeon.

can you send the scan to the private hospital ypu initially went to and ask how much it would cost to speak to someone who could explain it?

Just to reassure you, my mother has had a 3 cm mass in her brain for at least 15 years and it's completely benign And causes her no issues

I’d trust the process in the NHS hospital as a private hospital won’t have the full MDT team for treatment

treatment? no i only meant to explain the scan. could they maybe do that while the op waits for things to do so?