Radiology report

[Esperanza]

I have at last got a copy of my report!   It doesn't say a lot though!

"A 1.2 enhancing lesion at the left CP angle with some extension into the medial aspect of the IAMS, slight widening of the pons, appearance in keeping with acoustic neuroma."

That's it! What does that mean?!!  They would say if it was putting my other nerves at risk wouldn't they?

I notice from some of your signatures/posts that you have very precise dimensions and I read that the position is as important as the size.  Mine, as small as it is caused some nasties.  Does it make any difference that I don't these dimensions or much other info. if I did want to make enquries for a second opinion at some point? 

Oh, it also says I don't have "other significant intracranial abnormalities of note"  does that mean I have some that aren't worth noting  haha  ! 
Gave my hubby a laugh.... ....

[ppearl214]

Hey Esperanza.... well, it does mean you still have an AN....... (slap me later!).  Unfortunately, the report isn't noting a comparison to past studies, so it's difficult (to me) to tell.  Still small to mid size and still gives you time to do the research you need to do.  At least for the other noted "issues", I would use it as the official "dr's note to get your husband to help with laundry, cleaning, washing dishes, walking dog, food shopping and any other tasks deemed necessary!"

Hang tough... and btw, tix booked for the UK....

Phyl

[HeadCase2]

Hi Esperanza,
  From the radiologist report it sounds like your AN is in the notch between the pons and the cerebellum (CP angle), and has an extention into the internal auditory meatus (IAMs) that is the opening of the bony auditory canal at the end of the canal nearest the brain. So your AN is extracanalicular (outside the internal auditory canal), which from what I've read is rarer than intracanalicular.  My An was also extracanalicular. The "slight widening of the pons" may or may not have anything to do with the AN. 
  If you go for a second opinion it won't matter if you have all the specs about your AN or not.  You really want each doctor to make their own opinions about your AN from the MRI and other data (like hearing and/or balance tests).
  In the US we can usually obtain a copy or two of the MRI on a CD that is viewable on a PC.  This MRI can then be used for second, third, ...., opinions.  Good luck with figuring out what you might do about your AN.
Regards,
  Rob 

[NW]

Hi, the report saying "appearance in keeping with acoustic neuroma." means that the look of it & location is that it's an AN & nothing else. Not any other kind of brain tumor or a lesion. I work in the radiology dept so I understand how reports are worded. Yours sounds just like a basic AN!! Just like mine!!Sometimes the report may say if the tumor is resting on the 7th &8th nerve. Depends how detailed the radiologist gets when reading.
Best of Luck. Nanc

[Esperanza]

Thanks for your replies. 

Phyl,  How long are you over here for?  I am a long way up from where you will be but if you fancy visiting 'the birthplace of industry'...
although having had a few lovely breaks in Bournemouth I wouldn't mind a trip down that way if we can get something organised for a meet up.

Rob, It seems to me with AN's the more you know, the more there is to learn!  I have it on CD, just haven't worked out how to copy it on to the computer yet!

Nanc,  I am happy with a 'basic' AN - after all the trouble it's caused so far I don't want anything else out of the ordinary thank you very much! Do you mind if I ask what made you decide to go the surgical route as yours was on the smaller side too?

x

[ppearl214]

Thanks for your replies. 

Phyl,  How long are you over here for?  I am a long way up from where you will be but if you fancy visiting 'the birthplace of industry'...
although having had a few lovely breaks in Bournemouth I wouldn't mind a trip down that way if we can get something organised for a meet up.

arrving Dec 24 at night, will be based in Shaftesbury-Dorset, will be heading (at some point during the week) to Central London as have many friends in Camden area... may travel to Crawley as have friend there as well.  Return to the States Jan 2.  jEwEl noted she is 10 min from Shaftesbury and hope to meet up with her.... as for you and Derek and Tony... let me know.... btw, not sure what "birthplace of industry" you note, but have family in Sheffield and Leeds and need to do a trip up there as well.  Phyl

[Esperanza]

My goodness Phyl - you are packing a lot into that week!

As for the "birthplace of industry", will send you a link when I find one!
 

[NW]

Esperanza,

I decided on the surgical route because #1,  I work in radiation & I didn't want anymore radiation than I already get & the long term studies are not out yet using lower doses of radiation, so I figured in 20 yrs who knows what would happen to me by then, so I figured I was young & healthy ( & the doctor agreed!) I was ready to take a step back & slow down for a few months to recover from surgery. Let alone, I'm the type that since I had been diagnosed, all I thought about was that tumor, so if I was radiated I would keep thinking about it & I just couldn't live like that. I can honestly say since I had it removed I never think about that little thing!! So that is why I went the surgical route. Before my surgery I did think I was crazy having surgery because I didn't have any symptoms, so I felt like I was submitting myself to brain surgery for the heck of it. I kept thinking I'm taking a big risk when I feel absolutely fine!! I thank God daily for my outcome. My prayers are with all that have to go through what all of us ANers go through. Do you think you'll have yours removed?

Also if you just pop that CD into your computer it should just open!


Nancy

[Esperanza]

Hi Nancy,

I am see-sawing constantly at the moment about treatments.  Some days I think I just want it out now and others I wonder if GK would cause minimal disruption to my life at the moment.    As my hearing is already shot the specialists recommended waiting for the next MRI to see how it's behaving/if it's growing etc.

However, the feeling of pressure and roaring during the day is getting louder even though I am sleeping much better and that is worrying me a little.  My cheek and under my eye on the AN side is also is feeling 'cool' and a little 'draggy' but I am not sure what to ignore and what I should be worrying about...  I have worked really hard on my balance though and that seems stable atm.  I really don't want anything to get worse.

I have a very full and positive life, I am doing some wonderful things and I want to be able to carry on with as little disruption as possible (if that is possible!). 

As for the CD I can open it, just can't seem to save it on to the computer or or copy it.  I really want to email it around to get some second opinions.

I was really glad to read your story, nice to read you dealt with it and have been able to move on!

[NW]

Esperanza,
I can fully understand that you don't want to slow down, but you need to also think, if you're having those symtoms now, perhaps the tumor is resting on the facial nerve. Maybe it has grown. I don't know much about when you begin to see the reults for the GK, but I just just know, that by having it removed it's gone!! Having a AN is enough to drive anyone crazy because so much goes through your head. Actually when I went for my 1st opinion, I went to the Dr with the intent of having surgery. This Dr did more Gammas than surgeries. I left thinking "Hey having the Gamma wouldn't be so bad." But the more I thought on it, the more I knew I needed it out!!  You and only you can make that decision. I wish you luck! How many opinions have you gotten? I know my ENT told me to get 2, he said 3 or 4 you get confused & you need to be Comfortable with your physician. Once you find your physician, you'll know it!!

Nancy

[ppearl214]

Es, I know you are doing what is best for you... and the decision making process (esp. for those in the UK and using NIH) can be limiting..... we also know that treatment decisions are highly personal and you will do what is best for you and your scenario.  Hang tough..... will look for further updates

Phyl