Hi everyone! Firstly, I'd like to thank you very much for making this forum a reality. It helped me understand many things with regards to my diagnosis.
I'm a 23 year old male. I've been having left ear problems for about three years now, and each time it has been disregarded as "wax buildup", so all they did was kept washing it out.
To clarify, I have hearing in my left ear and the audiometry shows normal levels of hearing. However, with regards to my migraines that occur every 2-3 months, I did an MRI just to be sure nothing was wrong, and boy did I come up with something.
I've been called in the room by the radiologist and was told that I have an acoustic neuroma. Immediately after he told me I had a tumor, I fainted, so I didn't have much time to consult with him.
Scheduled to see a neurosurgeon next week. Based on what I've been told, it's non cancerous and there are various treatment methods, of which gamma ray treatment seems to be the best in having less complications.
I'd really like to preserve my hearing and balance. I'm only 23 and I don't feel I'm ready to deal with this stuff. Do you guys have any advice on what to consult with my neurosurgeon, and is there anyone with similar MRI results to me that can provide their experience?
The MRI analysis follows:
An MRI examination of the endocranium was performed in the axial plane using T1W/FLAIR, DWI with ADC mapping, SWI, axial and sagittal planes using T2W/TSE, 3D T2W/FLAIR, in the PC region using 3D T2W/CISS sequences, post-contrast in 3D T1MPRAGE, and at the level of the skull base in 3D T1W/vibe. An MR angiography of the head was done using 3D TOF sequences.
In the left pontocerebellar cistern, a tumor lesion is observed at the level of the internal auditory canal, with a cystic component extending into the canal. The solid part of the tumor measures 20x24x18 mm (APxLLxKK), while the cystic intracanicular part measures 8.5x7.5 mm (APxKK). The solid part of the tumor shows a markedly heterogeneous T2W signal, increased T1W signal with numerous areas of increased susceptibility due to hemorrhage characteristics, and shows heterogeneous enhancement post-contrast.
Consequently, there is a pronounced compressive effect on the pons and middle cerebellar peduncle with their displacement to the contralateral side and a discretely increased T2W/FLAIR signal in the cerebellar peduncle. A moderate compressive effect on the fourth ventricle is observed due to obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid flow. The compressive effect is also present on the left trigeminal nerve, which extends over the upper side of the tumor. The roots of the seventh and eighth cranial nerves in the internal auditory canal and cistern are visualized, extending over the anterior and posterior sides of the tumor. Post-contrast, no pathologically increased signal intensities are seen in the brain parenchyma or pathological enhancement of the viability of the meninges.
No other pathological changes in the brain parenchyma are observed. The remaining sulci over the convexities and subarachnoid spaces at the skull base correspond to the patient's age, without pathological content. The remaining part of the ventricular system is in normal position, symmetrical, and of adequate shape and width. A retention cyst in the right maxillary sinus with an AP diameter of 16 mm. The cranio-cervical junction and paranasal sinuses show no gross pathological changes. The foramen magnum is wide.
MR Angiography of the Head:
The main blood vessels of the brain show the signal intensity of flowing blood, normal contours, no stenosis, aneurysms, or vascular malformations. Slight widening of the lateral wall of the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery.
Thanks very much! This has been a lot of stress for me today.
