How important is location?

[HockeyDad7]

Hi!  I am a 42 year old male and was recently diagnosed with a small Acoustic Neuroma (7x5x5mm).  I’m glad that it’s small, but I’m wondering how important the location is?  Mine extends from the IAC to the “junction of the cochlea” and to the “superior semicircular canal”. I can’t seem to find much on these specifics online and my first appointment is still three weeks out.

Any information anyone can share specific to the importance of location would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Greece Lover]

HockyDad,

Sorry you had to join the club.  I'm obviously not a doctor, but my basic understanding is that it is better to have the tumor confined only to the IAC (interior auditory canal).  I think if yours is extending toward the cochlea, the main concern would be any treatment, or even watch and wait, it might be more like to impact your hearing. 

Obviously, an experience AN doc is the person to ask! 

I was 40 at diagnosis, and would call myself a "baseball dad," and can testify that life is good during and after AN diagnosis, so hang in there!

GreeceLover

[donjehle]

Hi HockeyDad7, and welcome to the ANA Forums!

Thank you for making your first post and sharing your experience with us.  Please update us over the next few weeks.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Greece Lover is very wise.  He has been a great blessing to me personally, and I trust his words of wisdom will be of encouragement to you, too.  He knows what he is talking about.

Best wishes on your journey!
Don

[HockeyDad7]

Thank you both very much for your thoughtful responses!  I’m eager to get to that first appointment and see what the recommended approach is.

Thanks again!