Meet Matthew Carls
"We couldn't ask for a better surgical team. They are godsends."
- - Jody Carls
- Matthew's mom
The Challenge
Matthew Carls was a typical 10-year-old boy who enjoyed basketball, computer games, and just having fun.
But when he began developing debilitating headaches and prominent swelling in his face, his world began to
change. The Flanagan, Illinois family visited many area doctors, and finally went to Children's Memorial
Hospital in Chicago.
There he was diagnosed with an
angiofibroma (an invasive, noncancerous tumor composed of blood vessels) the size of a grapefruit. The
tumor was spreading into his sinus area and pressing on his optic nerve, causing visual disturbances.
Matthew's family was told the only way to remove this tumor was through a large craniotomy, with a lengthy
incision through his scalp and the removal of a large piece of his skull. Both the doctor and the Carls
family were apprehensive about proceeding this way.
The Path to UPMC
The doctor told them of a revolutionary technique of removing brain tumors through the nasal passages,
and recommended that the family visit the surgeons at UPMC.
Although Matthew was initially anxious about meeting "big-wig" doctors in Pittsburgh, his attitude
changed when he met with the physicians. He found the doctors to be down to earth, and said that they
explained every step of the procedure to him in a way he could understand.
The Solution
Matthew's surgery took nine hours, which seemed like a lifetime to his mother, Jody. As her only child
lay on the operating room table, the surgical team kept Jody informed throughout the procedure and tried to
alleviate her anxiety. Jody says, "We couldn't ask for a better surgical team. They are godsends." She
adds, "Everyone, from the nursing staff to the doctors, was there for us. The care was above and beyond
what we expected."
Because of the type and location of the tumor, the surgeons needed to leave a small portion of the tumor
intact. Matthew later returned to Pittsburgh for two subsequent procedures after the tumor began to re-grow.
Matthew now has an MRI every six months to monitor the small amount of tumor that remains.
The Results
Today, Matthew is back to normal, playing basketball and baseball, as well as trombone in the school band.
He has participated in the Scholastic Bowl at his school and made the Honor Roll. Matthew advises anyone
facing surgery to be courageous and to trust in the doctors. He says, "I've had three surgeries and I've
lived to talk about them. It's amazing."
Our patient stories profile a number of patients who have had minimally invasive brain surgery at
UPMC. Although everyone’s care experience is unique, we hope that sharing these stories will help other
prospective patients and their families better understand these procedures and their potential benefits.
Matthew's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
Patient Stories:
A World of Patients
UPMC's surgeons and their unmatched success with minimally invasive techniques attract patients from around the world.
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Matthew Thriving Five Years after Surgery
To watch Matthew Carls play on the high school football team or sing in the school chorus, you’d never
know that five years ago, this athletic honor student had a grapefruit-sized brain tumor that was
threatening his vision. Since UPMC neurosurgeons removed the angiofibroma from Matthew’s brain via his
nasal passages, he has made a remarkable recovery. He has no lingering symptoms, and the surgery left no
scarring. Once a year he gets an MRI, just so doctors can ensure the tumor does not return.
These doctor visits serve as a reminder of that uncertain time in his life that he’s too busy to think
about otherwise. An active 15-year-old high school sophomore, Matthew plays football and basketball, and
runs track, sings in the school chorus, and plays trombone in the school band. He has his learner’s permit,
and he’s looking forward to getting his driver’s license. Although it makes his mother nervous, she knows
her son is responsible, and that he’ll be a good driver.
Matthew feels lucky that all of this is behind him, and he focuses on the things he enjoys most—his
school activities and sports—rather than his illness. His surgery has not inhibited him physically or
mentally, and he doesn’t place any limits on what he can achieve. “I play the most violent sport you can
play,” he said. “If you can play football, you can do anything.”
