Measuring criteria for AN

[Pablo]

I have an AN  in my right ear which based on the first MRI report 5 months ago, the dimensions were 2.2x2.3x1.7 cm (brain portion). By looking at the MRI (and also based on comments by some of the doctors I have interviewed) and by measuring also the length that covers the bony portion on the nerve, gives 3.1 cm total maximum size of the tumor.
Since I'm now considering Radiosrugery and there appears to be a magic 3.0 cm recommended max size of the tumor for this treatment, I would like to know how is this being measured, becasue as per one of the doctors said you can get different measures depending on how you measure it since the tumor is not round-shaped.
Could anyone help me understand this measurement criteria used to identify the size of the tumors?
THanks in advance

[Battyp]

Hi Pablo,
I know measurements can vary by radiologists.  My initial one said 2.5CM and when I went for my consults both the doctors disagreed and it was stated to be 2.8cm at surgery.  Not sure how they determine..mine was more round looking than some i've seen.  I wonder if they just measure across the biggest part?

Best of luck to you!

[tony]

Absolutely true - they dont always measure the same way
(do you include the "tail" or not ?)
and incredibily, comparason from a MRI done with one machine
- is not always easy when the next MRI is on another one
Same patient, same tumour - just a different machine.
(the contrast rates differ)
Some, these days, prefer a cubic centimetre form of measurement
- so its the overall volume that they check.
In terms of if radiotherapy is appropriate - it depends on size/volume
and WHERE the tumour is...
You need to approach a specialist(or two) in the field (with your scans)
and see what they say
Good Luck and
Best regards
Tony

[Pablo]

Thanks both for the replies. I have already approached several doctors and they recommended FSR to preserve hearing (I'm a musician and my hearing currently is about 25dB below normal levels). I just read over some complications of FSR depending on the size of the tumor so I was being cautious about the treatment itself.
Regards
Pablo