Treatment Options

[Charlie]

I was recently diagnosed with a (small) 1cm x 4mm AN and am considering treatment options of Gamma knife vs. microsurgery (Middle Fossa approach). I am having a very difficult time with this decision. My docs, although very helpful providing information, won't go there when asked for their recommendation. I am looking for resources that discuss these options (advantages, disadvantages, risks) in terms of age, tumor size, symptoms, etc. I need to understand, for my specific situation, what method is preferred, why, and what the risks and reasonable prognosis are. Any help is very much appreciated.

[leapyrtwins]

Hi, Charlie and welcome to the Forum.

My doctor wouldn't make the decision (surgery vs radiation) for me either.  He strongly felt it was my choice and he was absolutely right.

Treatment is a very personal choice - what one person is comfortable with isn't necessarily what the next one is comfortable with.  I originally thought I'd do radiation - in fact, I told my doc that there was "no way" I was having surgery, but I ultimately did just that 

You should contact the ANA and ask them for their informational literature.  You'll find it very helpful. 

I also suggest that you consult with a doctor who does both radiation & surgery - if you haven't already.  Most docs who do surgery recommend surgery; most docs who do radiation recommend radiation. 

Jan

[grega]

Hi Charlie,

Wow .... considering the small size of your AN, you probably have a more difficult choice than most of the others here did .... or do have now ..... because more options are available to you (e.g. w&w and the various types of microsurgery and radiation).  But, that said, I, and perhaps many others, think that you also have lots of time to research before you decide.  But that's good!

I suggest you look at as many informational websites as possible, with all the possibilities, and the pros and cons of each choice.  There are many sites with info, but suggest you go to, or google the following:
 - www.anausa.org
 - websites of the main hospitals you are considering (HEI, Hopkins, U. of MD medical, others) and search each for AN treatment
 - anworld.com (website of forum poster "Kate B")
 - other sites that will be sent to you.

And don't hesitate to ask all you questions to those experts as well as to these fine folks herein.

Best to you.

Greg

[Mickey]

Hi Charlie! By the size of your tumor it seems to me that time is on your side for making a good decision. I felt the same way when I first got started over 3 years ago. I decided to wait and watch untill I need intervention which I hope never happens. As you do your homework and time goes by you will be able to pick whatever is best for yourself. Their are alot of factors involved, investigate! and with today`s technology everything will work out fine. Best Wishes, Mickey P.S. this board I probably the best place to start.

[Denise S]

Welcome to the forum!!

For starters, are you having many symptoms?   Did the doctors ever mention the Watch & Wait??   The tumor is in the small category, but I can understand if it is showing many symptoms that you may choose treatment now.   

[Brianbee]

I was recently diagnosed with a (small) 1cm x 4mm AN and am considering treatment options of Gamma knife vs. microsurgery (Middle Fossa approach). I am having a very difficult time with this decision. My docs, although very helpful providing information, won't go there when asked for their recommendation. I am looking for resources that discuss these options (advantages, disadvantages, risks) in terms of age, tumor size, symptoms, etc. I need to understand, for my specific situation, what method is preferred, why, and what the risks and reasonable prognosis are. Any help is very much appreciated.

Charlie,
I'm new to the forum and was happy to discover a place where others shared in my condition. As it was explained to me we are a very small percentage of the population having AN. However, it doesn't seem so small when it is you being diagnosed.

I was diagnosed with AN in August of 2008 at the U of M Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I was given options to correct my condition. I broke out in a cold sweat when I was told my first option was major brain surgery to remove the tumor. I had a follow up meeting with other AN specialists. I learned of other options. They included Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. I did my research and settled on CyberKnife. It was done on an outpatient basis, taking about an hour each day over three days. My age was a factor (62). Since major surgery to remove the tumor could effect the nerves on the side of the head with the AN I chose not to go that route. My AN doctor felt the best option in my case was to go with either Gamma Knife or CyberKnife.. The size of my tumor was important in the decision making process. The tumor was 17mm (about the size of a green pea) when I was diagnosed. It was considered large but not too large to undergo CyberKnife treatment. It proved to be the right decision.   

It has been a year and a half since the procedure. My last MRI was last week and it showed the tumor had not grown. the radiation treatment was successful. I will continue to be monitored annually at this point (up to now I have had MRI's every six months). What I deal with now is the noise, the ringing and hissing sounds in my head. This, and the loss of hearing is something I am learning to deal with. In fact, I've actually made friends with the noises so it's not all that bad.

I wish you all the best in your treatment.