Doctors say Sen. Kennedy has brain tumor

Rusty · #1 05-17-2008, 12:19 PM

BOSTON — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor.

Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumor in his left parietal lobe. Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma, they said.

His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy.

The 76-year-old senator has been hospitalized in Boston since Saturday, when he was airlifted from Cape Cod after a seizure at his home.

His wife and children have been with him each day but have made no public statements.

His doctors said in a statement released to the Associated Press that he has had no further seizures, is in good spirits and is resting comfortably.

Malignant gliomas are a type of brain cancer diagnosed in about 9,000 Americans a year — and the most common type among adults. It's a starting diagnosis: How well patients fare depends on what specific tumor type is determined by further testing.

Average survival can range from less than a year for very advanced and aggressive types — such as glioblastomas — or to about five years for different types that are slower growing.

NBC10.com

Family Says Senator Under Evaluation At Boston Hospital

UPDATED: 12:50 pm EDT May 17, 2008

HYANNIS, Mass. -- Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was rushed by ambulance to Cape Cod Hospital after falling ill at the Kennedy compound in Hyannisport, The Cape Cod Times reported Saturday.

Hyannis fire responded to the compound after a call was made around 8:30 a.m., the newspaper reported on its Web site.

It's unclear what Kennedy's medical condition is, but after he spent almost two hours in the emergency room he was transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, reported WCVB-TV in Boston.

Kennedy, 76, was placed on a stretcher and wheeled out to the MedFlight helicopter around 10:15 a.m., where it took off from Barnstable Municipal Airport, the newspaper reported.

Kennedy's family released a statement Saturday morning that said the senator was under evaluation at the hospital.

"Sen. Kennedy was taken to Cape Cod Hospital after feeling ill at his home in Hyannisport. After discussions with his doctors in Boston, he was sent to Massachusetts General Hospital for further evaluation," the statement said.

CNN quoted a source as saying that Kennedy was suffering from "stroke-like symptoms.

"CNN also reported that Kennedy himself called another family member around 10:30 a.m. EDT and said he couldn't make a lunch planned for later Saturday.Kennedy has been in the Senate since his election in 1962, filling out the term won by his brother, John F. Kennedy.The campaign for Sen. Barack Obama, who Kennedy endorsed earlier this year, released a statement from Obama saying, "My thoughts and prayers are with Teddy; He is one of my favorite people."

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May 17, 2008: Sen. Kennedy Underwent Artery Surgery In October

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I wonder if this is the end of Ted Kennedy's career?

Kid Lester · #2 05-17-2008, 12:50 PM

"Stroke-like symptoms?"

Maybe's he's just really hung over?

Panama Girl · #3 05-17-2008, 02:08 PM

Hung over?

You mean he's stopped drinking long enough for the alcohol to actually start wearing off???

M.Opaliski · #4 05-17-2008, 02:30 PM

I hope he has a speedy recovery, and wish him good health ...

Also would like to see him retire or lose if he runs again but, they would elect his corpse up there ...

Raptor · #5 05-17-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.Opaliski

Also would like to see him retire or lose if he runs again but, they would elect his corse up there ...

Didn't they elect his corpse the last time?

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