ANA Discussion Forum

Archive => Archives => Topic started by: Sefra22 on June 16, 2006, 08:30:31 pm

Title: What's the difference between these terms?
Post by: Sefra22 on June 16, 2006, 08:30:31 pm

Earlier this week I was diagnosed with "Acoustic Schwannoma". When I key in these tems together, I come up with "Acoustic Neuroma" or "Vestibular Schwannoma". Is there a difference?  ???

Title: Re: What's the difference between these terms?
Post by: Battyp on June 17, 2006, 12:41:18 am

HI Sefra,
  I ditto what bruce so eloquently explained...in layman's terms..no there is no difference.  Sorry you are joining our exclusive club.  Please know we'll provide answers to any questions you might have.

Michelle

Title: Re: What's the difference between these terms?
Post by: Sefra22 on June 17, 2006, 05:44:29 am

Thanks to both of you for your response. Now I know I am on the right track in my research. I have found many informative medical sites, but I am very happy to have found this one!

Title: Re: What's the difference between these terms?
Post by: Battyp on June 17, 2006, 10:41:44 am

sefra how big is your tumor?
where is it located left or right side?
symptoms?
where do you live?

and don't freak out when during your research it says brain tumor! 

Title: Re: What's the difference between these terms?
Post by: Sefra22 on June 17, 2006, 01:07:28 pm

Hi Battyprincess!
My tumor is 15X17 mm, and is on my right side.  I just found out about it on Tuesday, so the only Dr. I've spoken to is my ENT.
He's referred me to a Neurosurgeon here in the Portland (Maine) area. I will see him on July 6, but I think I will also talk to someone about radiation as well. My gut tells me to wait 6 months, get another MRI, and then decide how to procede.  As far as symptoms go, I noticed a hearing loss in early January. It was sudden. I noticed that when I used the phone against my right ear, the voice was muffled. I have always had migraines, but over the last 6 months I have been getting excruciating headaches in the early morning. Before, they would happen later in the day. Other than that, my Dr. is surprised I'm NOT dizzy and have no balance problems. Therefore, he thinks I have plenty of time to make a decision.  How long did you wait to make your decision?

Title: Re: What's the difference between these terms?
Post by: russ on June 17, 2006, 03:32:24 pm

Hi
  Yes; As others, no difference...
  In the beginning, and still by some today, they were referred to as VS ( Vestibular Schwannoma ) because 80% of the benign tumors arise from the vestibular nerve.
  Seems the tumors gained the name AN ( Acoustic Neuroma ) because that is often the first symptom noted, hearing loss ( acoustic ) ; And, often the most devastating.
  Best wishes always!
  Russ