gamma knife after AN surgery

[suz]

I had a partial removal of my AN in 2010 via retrosigmoid approach. Unfortunately about one third of the tumor remained after surgery which was a surprise to the surgeon and me.  The reassurance I was given by several docs and folks on this forum was that the residual tumor rarely grows so it would not likely need treatment. Now the AN has grown slightly and my doc is suggesting gamma knife at some point. I return for an MRI in the summer, so I have some time to consider options. I had never considered gamma knife seriously before - surgery always felt like the right choice. But to go back in my head to remove the rest of it does NOT feel like a great idea now!

My big question is this: I have a teeny bit of hearing left in the AN side which is enhanced by a hearing aid. My "good ear" has some issues, so I am sensitive to protecting any hearing that I have on either side for as long as possible. If I opt for gamma knife sooner than later is that likely to protect the little bit of hearing I have remaining in the AN ear? Or will gamma knife destroy the hearing on the AN side? I know that eventually if the AN keeps growing I will ultimately lose the hearing on that side, but like I said I am trying to strategize what will keep me fully functioning for as long as possible. My doc said that I could wait for awhile to treat, but since I left his office last time when we talked briefly about gamma knife, I have started to consider the ups and downs of waiting more or acting.

In terms of hearing preservation, what effects have y'all in the post treatment group noticed?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Suz

[ANGuy]

I would want to be sure it was actually growing before I took action.  If you haven't already, have your Drs. explain how they know it is actual growth and not just some variation in an MRI or interpretation of and MRI.  Sometimes members on here see a slight increase in size on an MRI and don't take into account that actual size measurements attributed to MRI's are not always as precise as we try to make them. 

I'm sorry I don't have any info on the likelihood of hearing preservation for someone in your circumstances.

[suz]

Thanks ANGuy. Good point about confirming the growth. I am not in a hurry to do anything - patience is definitely a virtue with AN's. The next MRI is in July, so that will be telling.
Good luck with your next MRI!
Suz

[ANGuy]

Thanks.  We are both in the same boat in terms of MRI's.  We keep getting them and crossing our fingers and saying a prayer as they slide us into the machine.  Actually, everyone on this board is probably in that same boat regardless of treatment or lack there of.

[rm516]

Suz,
I am also in the same boat as you. Like you,  1/3rd of tumor is left in my head but with > 50% hearing intact. Dimensions after retrosigmoid surgery approach were 1.3 X 1.5 cm X 1.9cm. My surgeon (Dr. Sisti) said that if there is any growth in AN, he would recommend GK. It can happen in next year or 10 years or I may not need it.
I will also wait till absolutely necessary..........

[Meleka]

Remember with GK there is a 75% chance of preservation of useful hearing.