Tectal Plate Lesion question

[marbo]

Has anyone had a tectal plate lesion? I have been diagnosed with one and it lead to hydrocephalus. Some people seem to refer to it as a tectal plate tumour. I just wanted to know what the difference is between a lesion and tumour and therefore the prognosis? thanks for your help

[cat3]

Hi Marbo. A lesion can refer to a number of different issues either from physical injury to the brain from stroke, trauma or other illness. Your specialist should have explained how scan results can show the location of the lesion, and symptoms you may be experiencing can indicate the type of treatment needed.

If you're not getting the information you need maybe phone the Headway helpline for professional advice and support on freephone 0808 800 2244. Hope this helps... Cat x

[marbo in reply to cat3]

Hi Cat3 - thanks for the information. I have not had trauma, stroke or the types of illness that can cause this. The surgeons said doing a biopsy was too dangerous and instead would monitor it with MRI scans. I have had the symptoms gradually getting worse for about 15 years - mostly caused by the hydrocephalus and damage to my pituitary. I had vision issues, brain fog, fatigue, headaches etc. From some of what I have read it seems lesions on the tectal plate are mostly classed as tumours and are mostly benign? Is 'lesion' just the word they use until they are 100% sure or is it the same as a tumour? thanks

[cat3 in reply to marbo]

My knowledge of medical matters is limited but I do know that warts, moles, freckles, skin tags, benign cysts, blisters and even corns are all classed as lesions. In other words a lesion isn't just a euphemism for a tumour.

Most of us have lesions in one form or another. I had a large lump (sebaceous cyst) removed from my scalp years ago as did my nephew and two cousins, so these and other 'lesions' can be genetic.

As you already know, tumours can be harmless and easily removable from most areas of the body. Obviously anything within the brain needs ongoing observation when hands-on tests aren't an option.

I hope your prognosis becomes increasingly positive with time and that your symptoms can be minimized, although any brain related symptoms are usually managed rather than treated. You can download coping strategies from Headway's website.

I still recommend contacting the helpline though. They have far more professional and knowledgeable information than I could ever have ! My best wishes... Cat x

[lcd8]

Is it not that tumours tend to grow while lesions remain relatively stable (although can start growing at some point)? I also thought lesions were more likely to be congenital whereas tumours 'appear'. I have a type of lesion too but its never been referred to as a tumour.

[Sfqueen in reply to lcd8]

What kind kind of legions do you have ? They found white and dark legion in my brain they been stable for a year now but they running moreTest I suffer from headaches I am really scared

[lcd8 in reply to Sfqueen]

I've never heard it referred to by colour I'm afraid. Just a name referring to its type - arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Its deep in the brain and the docs can only see it with MRI or cerebral angiogram.