General Category > AN Issues
New to sight and have a few questions regarding AN
DC22:
New to the AN forum. I was diagnosed with AN in August, 2014 (50 yrs old). The size is 1.6 cm's (medium). Symptoms include: hearing loss to my right ear, Tinnitus, balance issues, headaches and fatigue. Will be seeing my specialist next week to discuss my concerns and look at options. I am sure I will get the answers from my specialist but im curious if surgery is recommended for a medium size tumor? My main concern is being more acceptable to facial nerve damage post surgery and a complete loss of hearing if surgery is delayed!
Thanks
CHD63:
Hi DC22 and welcome to this forum of caring, supportive, new friends .....
At 1.6 cm you may have the option to wait and watch, depending upon your past history and/or how rapidly your AN is growing. At 1.6 cm you should have the options of either treatment by radiation or surgery.
Because they are relatively rare, the important thing with treating acoustic neuromas, is to get opinions from the most experienced physicians who have had vast experience treating specifically ANs, not just any brain tumors.
Depending upon the exact location/configuration of your AN, you may be eligible for surgical removal via middle fossa approach, which has the best chance of preserving hearing ..... although 20% of my hearing was preserved following a retrosigmoid approach.
Many thoughts and prayers for answers and appropriate treatment.
Clarice
arizonajack:
There are studies that show that surgery and radiation both can preserve hearing under certain circumstances. But there are no guarantees with either and you haven't said to what extent you've already lost hearing.
I've been on this site for a couple of years and I've learned the following (there are exceptions) based on my own experience and the experience of others:
ANs grow.
Hearing continues to deteriorate.
Watch and wait is often a bad idea.
Tinnitus never goes away.
Balance issues, headaches and fatigue can all be adequately resolved over time.
terisandler:
I just thought I would chime in for a minute. I had CK in May, 2013. Most of the hearing in my AN ear was gone prior to dx and will not be restored. I also had vestibular issues prior to dx and they seemed to worsen significantly approximately six months post treatment. These issues seem to resolve themselves after another 5-6 months and I now experience balance difficulties only when I am particularly tired. I am able to walk long distances with my dog and no longer feel unsteady on uneven ground. My follow up MRIs have shown that my AN is stable and even showing signs of necrosis. I am happy! ;D
Kate62:
Teri, I was just diagnosed and still researching all my treatment options. I am curious about your Cyber Knife experience. How large was your tumor? Where did you go for your CK? You mention balance problems. Were you able to drive during that time? Were you dizzy only when you were trying to walk or did it stop when you were seated in your car and you were able to drive? Hope that makes sense -LOL - I am just wondering if I am going to be able to drive back and forth to work. Thanks for your help! Kate
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