Patients' anxiety around incidental brain tumors: a qualitative study

Incidental findings are common on MRI. Our study examined how patients are told about their incidental finding as well as anxiety until the neurosurgical consultation and afterward.

Qualitative research methodology was used. Thirty-two participants were interviewed using open-ended questions. Answers were transcribed and analyzed for themes.

The level of patient satisfaction for the initial breaking of the news averaged 4.1 (range 1-5). Four themes were identified: (1) emotional stress over incidental findings are partially dependent on how the news was communicated; (2) breaking worrisome news is best done in person, but telephone communication can sometimes be acceptable; (3) patients are divided about how much information they wish to get about incidental findings before going for an MRI; (4) waiting for the neurosurgical consultation is a stressful time without adequate support.

When dealing with an unexpected MRI finding, patients are anxious about the situation. Our study exposes ways the experience could be made more comfortable for patients right from the start, from being told the news in a calm and sympathetic manner, to providing support for patients while they wait for a meeting with a neurosurgeon, to expediting the neurosurgical consultation.