Survey: Did your AN shrink after radiation treatment?

[Tumbleweed]

One other thought came to mind as I was out walking earlier today: It may be that ANs shrink for different reasons in different people. KathyG's shrank because it was filled with fluid. Maybe mine shrank because of some of the supplements I took, my diet, some unknown reason, or all three reasons. And Phyl's may have shrunk because of some genetic disposition or something in her drinking water. So, it's possible (make that likely) that no common cause will be found in this survey, but providing relevant information may yet be helpful to someone else on this forum and provide the basis for future understanding.

Best wishes,
TW

[ppearl214]

well, a true tossed salad (I kept it healthy, TW! ) going on here as potential reasons why.  TW, suggestion is for you to join in Dr. Medbery's discussion with link I shared earlier so you can share direct with him.  Here is his last response when I noted "fluid filled" growths to him.  Please log on there direct to help save time/energy and you can ask him direct...... he's been real terrific in responding his thoughts.

Phyl

==============================

#8 Posted :about 20 hours ago
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 10/28/2011
Posts: 52
Location: Oklahoma City, OK

I don't think fluid content per se matters, but I DO think that having a cystic component makes a difference. In some series, cystic tumors having a faster growth rate and higher risk of facial nerve problems. It is not clear whether they shrink the same as solid tumors, with at least one series showing they shrink faster. I think they tend to be a little more unpredictable. However, it must be remembered that they may have a worse outcome with surgery because of facial nerve involvement, so that is not necessarily a better answer. Sometimes it might be in a very symptomatic patient with a rapidly growing cyst
Clinton A. Medbery III
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org

[PaulW]

When I was treated I asked about Tumour swelling.
The reponse I got was,  as the tumour cells begin to lose control of the cellular processes with in it, The tumour cells lose their ability to control water being absorbed/released into the cell (homeostasis).
As a result the tumour swells, not because the cells are multiplying, but because the individual cells are becoming bigger and absorbing water. As to why some tumours swell more than others?
Maybe we could go on a hunt around for information relating to what happens to cells post radiation..


   

[LisaM]

Just found this thread... I read somewhere that cystic ANs grow more quickly than other ANs (meaning the ones that aren't cystic) and cysts have fluid in them.  TW was your AN cystic?

[LisaM]

BTW... if anyone is interested in discussing Honokiol please join this thread:

http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=16209.msg979736022#msg979736022

[MinhVietNam]

I read almost this topic and really wonder if there are somethings wrong in my case.

I was diagnosed with right AN 25 months ago (my tumor's volume is 757,38 mm3) and be treated with CK (1800/2307.89 cGy; Collimator 03 mm). Three months later I visited the CK centre to take MRI test and my doctor told me there were no sign of the tumor (at that time all my symptoms improved after treatment). My one year MRI test and second year MRI test gave me the same results (It is all black in right side). But now, after 2 years, although my MRI show nothing, some symptoms comeback and I loss hearing!

Should I wonder about the accuracy of MRI tests (1.5 tesla)?

[Tumbleweed]

TW was your AN cystic?

No, or at least this was never mentioned as a possibility by any of my doctors.

Best,
TW

[Tumbleweed]

I read almost this topic and really wonder if there are somethings wrong in my case.

My one year MRI test and second year MRI test gave me the same results (It is all black in right side). But now, after 2 years, although my MRI show nothing, some symptoms comeback and I loss hearing!

Should I wonder about the accuracy of MRI tests (1.5 tesla)?

Minh, I think you should trust the MRI is accurate. It is common for AN patients to have symptoms long after their tumor has died. The cranial nerves which the AN damaged are, unfortunately, damaged for good. They are your body's weak areas now. So when your health is not 100%, those nerves are going to act up. It probably has nothing to do with the tumor. Your tumor, according to your MRIs and doctors, is gone baby gone. Rejoice in that!

Best wishes,
TW

[MinhVietNam]

Thanks Tb. You are right. I should try to improve my health (the way you and Lisa sharing) and the best thing I could do now may be waiting it overcome.

Best wish all of you.