What size AN is considered too big for watch and wait?

[SonDek]

Sorry if this is a stupid question ...

What size AN is considered too big for watch and wait?

[leapyrtwins]

Not a stupid question at all.  In fact, no questions are stupid.

I'm not 100% sure of the answer to your question, but I'd imagine an AN that is considered large (3 cms+) would be something you wouldn't want to watch and wait. 

Although larger ANs (especially in the 4cm+ range) should be dealt with sooner rather than later, most of the time you can watch and wait (regardless of tumor size) for at least a short period of time - since ANs are slow growing.   

On the flip side, with a smaller AN that is causing big problems - balance, hearing, etc., - it might be in your best interests not to W&W.

Your best bet would be to ask your doctor; he or she knows the specifics of your case and can advise you accordingly.

Jan   

[Jim Scott]

SonDek ~

Jan offered good advice, i.e. consult your doctor.  I would add that the location and growth pattern of the tumor will have a a bearing on whether or not to address it (surgically or with radiation) at a specific time.  From what I've read, as soon as your doctor notes definite growth (usually over at least a year) he/she will want you to consider 'doing something'.

Jim

[SonDek]

Thanks for the replies! I'm writing on behalf of my mom.

My mother's AN is 3cm and aside from loss of hearing and the one dizzy spell that landed her in the hospital, she has no other symptoms.    I don't feel that her doctors have been all that helpful.  I understand it's ultimately her choice, but we don't have a good gauge on whether it's a huge risk to watch and wait at this point.  They actually have given her a surgery date already -- in two weeks from now, so we need to decide pronto. 

[PaulW]

Most doctors recommend treatment once it reaches 2.5-3.0cm or above.

[mk]

When was your mother diagnosed? If she was diagnosed recently and she already has a surgery date this means that the doctors think that it should be operated upon soon. In Ontario if they don't consider it urgent it can take quite a few months to schedule surgery.

Marianna

[rm516]

 
I have  between 2.7 cm & 2.9 cm diameter AN or  meningioma - but stable &  Asymptomatic per last MRI in Aug/11 ...
On Surgeon's advice, I am on W &W...
My hearing in right ear is not perfect  (> 80 % OK, clogging), tinnitus & head gets  Wonky, when I am tired. On good days (weekends) there are no issues ...    Just normal ...
I will love to have oral medication (under clinical trial), and HOPE FDA approval comes faster than I have to decide for surgery..

[alabamajane]

HI, first let me say I am NOT a doctor,, however, we have all been told these are benign, slow growing tumors which generally allow for time for research and consultation. . on that note, unless she has been told this is an emergency situation that needs to be treated immediately, I would think another opinion would be wise.. most Drs if  they are surgeons,, will advise to proceed to surgery. I have been seeing one Dr (neurosurgeon) for three years and his advice is to proceed to surgery. One option is to send her MRI out to House Clinic in Los Angeles (HEI.org, I believe) for a free no obligation phone consult. You send it overnight Express Mail and a Dr will call you I believe within 48 hrs usually with an opinion. I did this two yrs ago and again sent this yrs MRI .. the first yr he said watchful waiting was ok and then this yr due to some growth and it pressing on brain stem, he suggested I move forward with surgery (symptoms had also worsened,, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness/nausea, balance issues etc,,,,).. I received more info in that phone call than I have in three yrs with local Dr.. most reassuring!.. so bottom line, unless it is emergency surgery indicated,, I believe you should not feel forced into surgery of this magnitude unless you/ she is comfortable with that decision.. and only valuable, in depth info and explanation of location, size, and outcomes will give her that comfort.. just my humble opinions here as someone who has been w&w and now must move forward....by the way,, mine is 2.8cm..so large but not huge!!

[Mickey]

I`m not an expert on the subject but over the years come up with some conclusions. With parameters pretty much set at 1.5cm medium size 3.0 large before that small. Other things come into play, symptoms, location, age. With so many variables I think most important is to get the best doctors for yourself after youv`e digested the above, find out where he is most comfortable and take it from there...Best wishes, Mickey P.S. New study in our ANA booklet indicated that after 5 years of W+W "stable" AN seem to stay that way... As far as symptoms

[SonDek]

Thanks again everyone ...
I wish I could say that we've had all questions answered and have achieved clarity and arrived confidently at a decision ... but with one week prior to surgery date, my mother still feels unsure and is just so overwhelmed by it all.