Today's Article
Few people with
'malignant glioma'
live more than three
years, according to
survival statistics.
'malignant glioma'
live more than three
years, according to
survival statistics.
The American Spark
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Press Release From Massachusetts Doctors On Senator Kennedy
By Cliff Montgomery - May 21st, 2008
As almost everyone now knows, doctors for Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) have discovered the lawmaker
suffers from a malignant glioma--often declared to be the most atrocious form of brain cancer. Almost 9,000
U.S. citizens every year are diagnosed with the cancer.
Doctors found the brain growth in the left parietal lobe, a region which principally governs sensation and also
performs a role in language and movement. The physicians cited a combination of radiation and chemotherapy
as "the usual course of treatment" for the cancer, though they added they will wait for further tests before
deciding on a treatment.
Sen. Kennedy was hospitalized on Saturday after suffering a seizure. On Tuesday, doctors at Massachusetts
General Hospital stated their diagnosis.
While we at The Spark certainly wish Sen. Kennedy the best, we must report that survival numbers are grim for
this type of affliction. Few people with this malignant cancer live more than three years, according to survival
statistics.
Though some individuals have been known to live longer, they normally don't suffer from the most aggressive
form of glioma, or have the benefit of youth or other medical details on their side.
But many medical experts note Kennedy's age and his doctors' immediate discussion of chemotherapy as a
possible treatment. The experts say these factors indicate the senator almost surely is suffering from one of
the two most virulent forms of malignant glioma--although it is not immediately known whether Kennedy suffers
from glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of the brain cancer, or from the rather less aggressive anaplastic
astrocytoma.
Malignant glioma "usually is a synonym for a glioblastoma," said Washington Hospital Center Neurology
Chairman Robert Laureno to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Doctors did not mention the possibility of surgery for the Massachusetts senator, which may suggest that it is
not a possibility for the 76-year-old Kennedy.
Below we offer the press statement from Massachusetts General Hospital doctors, as released by Sen.
Kennedy's office:
"Over the course of the last several days, we've done a series of tests on Senator Kennedy to determine the
cause of his seizure.
"He has had no further seizures, remains in good overall condition, and is up and walking around the hospital.
"Some of the tests we had performed were inconclusive, particularly in light of the fact that the senator had
severe narrowing of the left carotid artery and underwent surgery just 6 months ago.
"However, preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant
glioma in the left parietal lobe.
"The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy.
"Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Senator Kennedy will be determined after further testing
and analysis.
"Senator Kennedy will remain at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next couple of days according to
routine protocol. He remains in good spirits and [is] full of energy."
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark
e-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
By Cliff Montgomery - May 21st, 2008
As almost everyone now knows, doctors for Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) have discovered the lawmaker
suffers from a malignant glioma--often declared to be the most atrocious form of brain cancer. Almost 9,000
U.S. citizens every year are diagnosed with the cancer.
Doctors found the brain growth in the left parietal lobe, a region which principally governs sensation and also
performs a role in language and movement. The physicians cited a combination of radiation and chemotherapy
as "the usual course of treatment" for the cancer, though they added they will wait for further tests before
deciding on a treatment.
Sen. Kennedy was hospitalized on Saturday after suffering a seizure. On Tuesday, doctors at Massachusetts
General Hospital stated their diagnosis.
While we at The Spark certainly wish Sen. Kennedy the best, we must report that survival numbers are grim for
this type of affliction. Few people with this malignant cancer live more than three years, according to survival
statistics.
Though some individuals have been known to live longer, they normally don't suffer from the most aggressive
form of glioma, or have the benefit of youth or other medical details on their side.
But many medical experts note Kennedy's age and his doctors' immediate discussion of chemotherapy as a
possible treatment. The experts say these factors indicate the senator almost surely is suffering from one of
the two most virulent forms of malignant glioma--although it is not immediately known whether Kennedy suffers
from glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of the brain cancer, or from the rather less aggressive anaplastic
astrocytoma.
Malignant glioma "usually is a synonym for a glioblastoma," said Washington Hospital Center Neurology
Chairman Robert Laureno to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Doctors did not mention the possibility of surgery for the Massachusetts senator, which may suggest that it is
not a possibility for the 76-year-old Kennedy.
Below we offer the press statement from Massachusetts General Hospital doctors, as released by Sen.
Kennedy's office:
"Over the course of the last several days, we've done a series of tests on Senator Kennedy to determine the
cause of his seizure.
"He has had no further seizures, remains in good overall condition, and is up and walking around the hospital.
"Some of the tests we had performed were inconclusive, particularly in light of the fact that the senator had
severe narrowing of the left carotid artery and underwent surgery just 6 months ago.
"However, preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant
glioma in the left parietal lobe.
"The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy.
"Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Senator Kennedy will be determined after further testing
and analysis.
"Senator Kennedy will remain at Massachusetts General Hospital for the next couple of days according to
routine protocol. He remains in good spirits and [is] full of energy."
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark
e-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!