Diagnosed with VS , What to do

[And147159]

Hi
I am 54 YO now and was diagnosed with VS (6mmx8mmx5mm) in March 2024 with a hearing loss and tinnitus. Follow-up MRI  in Nov 2025, and size is (6mmx9mmx5mm), and again in Oct 2025, and size is (7mmx12mmx5mm).  My doctor says it is a baby size, but he is pushing to get treatment (mostly radiation). Not sure what to do.
My question is, if it's a baby size and grows slowly, then why to rush for the treatment?  Hearing is deteriorating, and tinnitus is not bothersome. I have another appointment for a second opinion in a month.

Can someone advise on a better approach?

[DanFouratt]

Hello and welcome,

I was like you had a rather small tumor, hearing loss, tinnitus and a little older when it was discovered.  I stayed in the watch and wait for several years. When it grew a little I made the decision to treat it.  Not that my symptoms changed from the growth it was that I did not want further issues (balance).  These are all personal decisions and that was mine.  I could have stayed in the watch.  My ENT was fine with not doing anything.  However when I decided to treat it he is a surgeon hence the push for surgery.  After doing research I choose radiation as the best path for me.  (If you want the research please email me dan4att@gmail.com).

VS are interesting as the patient makes some of the major decision.  When to treat it.  How to treat it (surgery/radiation). The best advice I received from a Doctor in the research is, "No decision is bad, make the decision you are comfortable with and more forward, do not second guess yourself."

Good luck on your decision journey,
Dan