He likely avoided the question for reasons that we will not know, but usually this is to prevent late stage cancer patients from developing a negative outlook about their future. A lesion that is wrapped around the carotid artery is a late stage cancer, and is difficult to treat. This is just speculation on my part, but I guarantee you, no one gets treated at MDACC in Houston without their disease being staged. This is an institution that follows strict guidelines for treatments guided by staging.