Husband dx with Glioblastoma IV one year ago. In the middle of his six and final chemotherapy treatment with Temadar. A firm fixed lump appeared behind left ear. His two tumors located also on left side of head one in Temporal and other in Frontal lobe. Could this lump behind his ear be an enlarged lymph node either related to chemotherapy treatment or continued steroid treatment? He also developed an inch width reddened area on forehead that itches what could this be?

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Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

My heartfelt wishes of strength to you and your husband, glioblastoma is a tough diagnosis. Temodar (Temozolomide, chemotherapy for malignant gliomas), as well as the steroids (usually Dexamethasone) interfere with the body’s immune system and anyone taking these medications is more susceptible than others to infections. Make sure he doesn’t have an infection. Talk to your oncologist. The oncologist is the specialist to talk to when something unexpected comes up during chemotherapy. Urticaria (hives), itching, and skin rash have been reported in the clinical setting with Temodar and other chemotherapy for gliomas. Skin problems are also seen with prolonged corticosteroid treatment. I cannot say what the lump is without examining it myself, but I’m sure it’s not related to the glioblastoma tumor itself. As a rule, glioblastoma does not metastasize outside the brain, nor does it infiltrate the bony skull. It does metastasize, or actually infiltrate, within the brain, as in your husband’s case, from the frontal lobe along the uncinate fascicle to the temporal lobe (or vice versa).?

Without examining the lump, or the rash, I can’t make a diagnosis, but I recommend you talk to your oncologist or at least show them to your husband’s GP.

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