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How Bad Is It, Doc?

Kennedy's glioma, depending on size of tumor, could affect speech, memory, movement

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2008 3:52 PM CDT
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(Newser) – While doctors know that Sen. Ted Kennedy has the most common form of brain cancer, the positioning, type and size of the tumor will determine the degree of danger and side effects from surgery, CNN reports. Kennedy’s glioma is in the left parietal lobe, which is involved in speaking and understanding speech as well as motor control for the body's right side.

Experts say surgery in such an area near “high-risk real estate” is itself dangerous: "It's nearly impossible to tell what is tumor and what is brain cells, because this is a tumor of the brain cells," said one neurosurgeon. As a result, the surgeries themselves can sometimes cause brain damage. Normal prognosis ranges from months to 5 years, CNN adds.

Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, center, talks about Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., with from left, Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., Sen. John Ensign,, R-Nev., and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 20, 2008.
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, center, talks about Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., with from left, Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., Sen. John Ensign,, R-Nev., and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., on Capitol Hill...   (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Ted Kennedy is pictured during an exclusive interview with Knight Ridder in his Washington, DC residence, April 19, 2006.
Ted Kennedy is pictured during an exclusive interview with Knight Ridder in his Washington, DC residence, April 19, 2006.   (KRT Photos)
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, center, addresses the health and well-being of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D_Mass., on Capitol Hill in Washington Tuesday, May 20, 2008.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, center, addresses the health and well-being of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D_Mass., on Capitol Hill in Washington Tuesday, May 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
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Kennedy in for radiation and chemotherapy
USA Today

National cancer institute's explanation of glioma
Boston Herald

 
cancer • Congress • Senate • Ted Kennedy • brain • tumor • brain damage • brain cancer • glioma

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