Brain tumor- interpeducular lipoma questions

[khughes77]

I recently had a MRI due to suffering from odd symptoms for some time. Around a year ago I began tingling/numbness in my arms and legs, later additional symptoms began such as urinary incontinence, blurred vision, slurred speech, and memory problems. My symptoms come and go. Originally my dr did a lumbar puncture to test for MS which was negative. Therefore in April 2011 they decided that my symptoms were cause by my spinal nuerostimulator and surgically removed that. My symptoms have steadily gotten worse and they decided to do a MRI the other day. My doctor stated that they found a growth on my brain and are sending me to a neurosurgeon. The MRI states: There is abnormal oval macrolobulated extra-axial mass compatible with interpeduncular lipoma in distribution of the intereduncular cistern measuring estimated .5cm AP by .5cm TV by .5cm CC

What does this mean? From what I've found lipomas are benign and do not cause symptoms.... but could this be the cause of my symptoms? Is this a form of cancer? I am really scared and waiting for the neurosurgeon to see me seems like an eternity.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Most of the time, lipomas are asymptomatic and found incidentally. (They can be found alone or in combination of other development abnormalities). If the lipoma is solitary and asymptomatic, then it probably should be left alone. However, lipomas can be symptomatic if there is compression/irritation on the surrounding tissue or causing obstruction. The decision to operate is usually taken by a neurologist and/or neurosurgeon.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[khughes77]

I wish to add that I am a 34yr old, relatively healthy (outside of a back injury from 4 years ago) woman.