Spot on Brain: Advice on Next Steps?

Posted by ashley5423 @ashley5423, Dec 16, 2019

I am 43 years old and had an mri in September just bc have always had headaches ( no changes or additional symptoms ) mri with contrast came back showing a 8.9 mm spot didn’t enhance with contrast on right frontal lobe / insular cortex
They don’t know what it is and just say possible glioma . I had a follow up MRI last week ( 2 months in) and no change in size and still don’t know what it is. And suggested an MRI in 3 months . I am going crazy with worry thinking i am slowing getting a death sentence and just have to wait to see what spot does . Has anyone been in this situation ? Any advice or what you would do . I tried to attach picture

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susanne1954 | @susanne1954 | Dec 16, 2019

I had 2MRIs and 1 CT scan on my brain
My neurosurgeon cannot connect confirm diagnosis due to the smallness of the lesion
He believes the lesion to be either a meningioma or schwannoma nth of which are benign
The effects are double vision when moving objects are coming toward me like when driving
We are having surgery to remove it on 7 Jan
Options were to monitor it or have radiation

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Dec 17, 2019

Hi, @ashley5423 - welcome to Mayo Clinic
Connect. Glad you connected with @suzanne1954. Sounds as though you still have a lot of unknowns and that they are making you feel as though you are going crazy with worry, just waiting to see what this spot does.

Have you considered getting a second opinion?

spudlk | @spudlk | Dec 17, 2019

Hello, I was told September 30, that I have a tumor that is larger than yours with a small blush of enhancement. I have had 3 MRI’s with another one 12/30. If that is clear they may increase the length of time between scans. They are concerned it would hurt my language if they went after the whole thing. So far, no changes, but it is very anxiety producing though I try to focus on being happy and active. This works about 80% of the time. I had just one day of word finding problems and that is what lead to the MRI. Other than that, no symptoms such as headaches, etc. I am 67 so for all of us there are a few word finding issues. I, too, would love to know how people deal with the anxiety/ fear of this diagnosis.

Christel Pareigis | @pranas | Dec 17, 2019

In reply to @spudlk "Hello, I was told September 30, that I have a tumor that is larger than yours..." + (show)

Hi, I am in the same position, have problems to speak out the words due to the size of tumor which is pushing against my speech centre . I will be operated on 1/7/2020. I wish I could postpone it but don't want to create a bigger problem. Also, otherwise no headache ...just speech and my left eye shows some problems, but not always. I am also 67 years old...just hope for the best!!!