ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: 20acrewoods on January 28, 2010, 08:14:48 pm
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Can anyone explain to me why they do not replace the skull piece & use fat from the abdomen instead? My husband is having surgery at the Mayo Clinic in MN on Monday.
Also, within a 2 mile radius (as the crow flies) we have had 4 people with various benign tumors in the head. Meninga, etc. no other acoustic neuromas but we have a huge powerline that we share & also a river. Worth pursuing any connection?
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20acres -
not all docs follow the same protocol. I had a piece of my skull removed for my AN surgery plus I had a fat graft. In my case, the piece of skull WAS replaced - and I also received some "hardware" - titanium plate, mesh, and screws.
The fat is generally used to fill in the place where the tumor used to be - it isn't generally used in place of the piece of skull.
As for the tumor connection, IMO it's just a coincidence. But that's just my take on the situation.
Hope your husband's surgery goes well. Please give him our best wishes - and update us when you can.
Thanks,
Jan
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20acrewoods ~
Jan answered your questions and I'll reiterate her response that each doctor uses a slightly different protocol with AN removal surgery. I have the titanium plate, mesh and screws securing the skull section that was removed during the surgery. It has re-ossified by now and is of no real consequence in my daily life. I did not receive the body fat 'filler' but don't miss it.
The effect of a power line and/or a river on people developing benign tumors is quite likely coincidental and any alleged connection would be impossible to prove to a medical certainty. I would let that one go.
Your husband will be in the thoughts and prayers of many, including me, on Monday. May he have a smooth surgery with no complications - and then, a rapid, complete recovery
Jim
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Thanks for the feedback & prayers are always welcomed. I'll update (& improve the "signature line") in the future.