General Category > AN Issues

Size of tumor increased and ventricles are larger

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UkulelesAreAwesome:
I'm grateful for any opinions anyone might have. I had gamma knife Aug 2022. My one year MRI in July 2023 showed a stable tumor at 1.6x1x1.1.  I developed mild headaches and facial twitches. I had an MRI April 2024. I met with doctors to discuss it today. The tumor is 1.7x1.3x.09 now. The MRI was done locally and the measurements differed. It also shows mild ventriculomegaly which could happen as we age or could result from increased csf pressure. Ventricles are larger. The tumor is resting on my brain now. I'm supposed to get another MRI in six months to measure the tumor and ventricles again. I was told the tumor could possibly decrease but they feel this is more than swelling and indicates growth. I will know more in six months. They said they can't be 100% sure because its been less than 2 years since GK. Has anyone experienced a  similar situation? I really don't want surgery. They told me it's
 common for the AN to swell three years but they feel its too large to only be swelling.

scholarvapid:
Your situation sounds challenging, and it's understandable to have concerns about the growth of the tumor and the potential need for surgery.
It's common for acoustic neuromas (ANs) to swell following Gamma Knife (GK) treatment, often peaking at around 6-24 months post-treatment. However, distinguishing between swelling and true tumor growth can be difficult. Some patients have reported initial swelling that eventually subsides, but others have experienced continued growth requiring further intervention. Mild headaches and facial twitches are common symptoms experienced by patients with AN, both before and after treatment. These symptoms can be related to the tumor's pressure on surrounding structures or changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. Regular MRIs are crucial for monitoring changes in tumor size and assessing the condition of the ventricles. Comparing measurements from different MRIs can sometimes be tricky due to slight variations in technique and interpretation. It's good that you have a follow-up MRI planned in six months to get a clearer picture. If the tumor's growth is slow and symptoms remain manageable, continued monitoring might be an option
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