Aa
Concerned patient needing your professional opinion
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been diagnosed with a acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwarromma) affecting my left ear. It is approx 10mm x 6 x 5mm. From my own research it appears that radiation therapy has a risk of turning the benign tumour into a cancerous one. As this has already affected my hearing as the tumour is pressing on my nerve for sound, what would you suggest is my best option?
I have been diagnosed with a acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwarromma) affecting my left ear. It is approx 10mm x 6 x 5mm. From my own research it appears that radiation therapy has a risk of turning the benign tumour into a cancerous one. As this has already affected my hearing as the tumour is pressing on my nerve for sound, what would you suggest is my best option?
Hi. Thank you for your response. My acoustic neuroma is in the inner ear (vestibular schwannoma). My specialist has suggested to do another MRI in 6 months to see if it has grown. He says that surgery will take my hearing away as when they take the tumour out the nerve will come out too considering it has mastisized near the nerve.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
How are you? Treatment of an acoustic neuroma depends on the size and location of the tumor, your age, and overall health. Radiation, surgery or watchful waiting may be the treatment options available. If the size is small, regular MRI scans may be done to monitor it. Removing an acoustic neuroma is more commonly done for larger tumors, tumors that are causing symptoms, growing quickly or growing near a nerve or part of the brain that is more likely to cause problems. Stereotactic radiosurgery on the other hand, may be used to slow down or stop the growth of tumors that are hard to remove with surgery. Indeed, there may be delayed radiation effects after radiosurgery, including nerve damage, loss of hearing, and paralysis of the face. It is best that you discuss this with your doctor and weigh the benefits and risks to determine the best management plan suited for your case. Take care and do keep us posted.
How are you? Treatment of an acoustic neuroma depends on the size and location of the tumor, your age, and overall health. Radiation, surgery or watchful waiting may be the treatment options available. If the size is small, regular MRI scans may be done to monitor it. Removing an acoustic neuroma is more commonly done for larger tumors, tumors that are causing symptoms, growing quickly or growing near a nerve or part of the brain that is more likely to cause problems. Stereotactic radiosurgery on the other hand, may be used to slow down or stop the growth of tumors that are hard to remove with surgery. Indeed, there may be delayed radiation effects after radiosurgery, including nerve damage, loss of hearing, and paralysis of the face. It is best that you discuss this with your doctor and weigh the benefits and risks to determine the best management plan suited for your case. Take care and do keep us posted.
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