location location location?

[calimama]

It seems that ANs are smaller in the IAC (lucky?). Does anyone know if med-large tumors outside the IAC (between it and the brain stem) are -generally- better treated with surgery or radiation?

I have read that location is one of the biggest factors to determine the best treatment option. Other than the skill of the surgeon (which i understand is key), are some AN locations more predictable of certain problems?     

Sorry for my ignorance but what is SSD (i have seen this in a few posts)?

Thanks everyone!

[leapyrtwins]

I'm not sure what the answer to your location question is.  I know that location is a factor, but I don't know if it predicts certain problems.  But someone on this forum will have the answer; so just stay tuned 

SSD stands for single-sided deafness - I know that one because I have it 

Jan

[Kaybo]

Calimam~
Don't feel bad -- I didn't know what SSD was either when I 1st got on here & I had experienced it for 12 years!!!  LOL!!!!!!!!!!!   
K

[leapyrtwins]

You know one of the things you will get used to on this forum is initials - like AN, GK, CK, SSD, BAHA, NF2, etc.

It's definitely a learning experience 

[Static]

Hi Cali,
The AN invading my head was considered med-large sized and was between the IAC and the brain stem but pressing directly on the brain stem pushing it almost in half.  My choice was to have surgery as I felt that if the tumor swelled at all from radiation (which I have read sometimes happens) it probably would not be a good thing.  The doctor I saw made the recommendation for surgery for that same reason and others, and since I just wanted it gone, I was good with that and went ahead with things.  My current major problems resulting, I feel, from the AN are SSD, major tinnitus in the bad and sometimes good ear, and balance.   Depending upon which nerve the AN is on/near is probably a good indicator of problems that will be related to the outcome.  From what I was told and tend to agree with in trying to look at the MRI's, it's very difficult to pinpoint exactly which nerves the AN is affecting until you get in there.  If you go to the following site:  http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/cn/cranial.htm , it will show you approximately where the various nerves are and what functions they control.
~Karen

[calimama]

Static:
Thanks for you reply... this is very helpful. Mine is a little smaller than yours (not often you hear people bragging like that! -- hee hee), so maybe there is some room in there for some swelling!?

What symptoms did you have before discovering your AN?

Appreciate your thoughts and glad to hear that surgery worked out for you. Did they "get it all"? Sorry i can't see your post while replying... not sure it has been since your surgery... But any sign of it returning or growing?

Was GK ruled out for you, or was it an option still?

THANKS!!!!!