success of middle fossa for 1.8 cm AN

[klm]

Dr. House from the House Clinic is recommending middle fossa for me because I am a university music professor.  I think he said he would recommend trans lab if I didn't care about my hearing.  From my reading on this forum, it seems that the people most pleased with middle fossa had very small tumors.  Could I please hear from those who have had middle fossa for tumors around 18mm.

Thanks,
klm

[marymomof3]

Hi Kim.  I had a 1.8cm AN removed by Middle Fossa on March 19th.  The entire tumor was removed, I had some facial weakness, and my hearing is still there.  I don't think my hearing is 100%, but I can hear.  I test myself and put the phone to my ear.  I think I generally hear everything, but sounds just seem farther away.  I had my suregery done at NYU with Drs. Roland and Golfinos.  I was originally scheduled to have retrosigmoid, but the surgeons reviewed my info closer and opted for Middle Fossa to increase my chances of hearing preservation.
Hope this helps!
Mary

[Desilu]

Hi klm,

I had a small tumor which was removed by middle fossa and as you have said most people that had this surgery are pleased with the outcome. If I can help you in any other way, about the House experience or what to expect, please send me a personal email. I wish you the best in your research.  Ann

[Mark]

Hi klm,

From what I've read middle fossa is most commonly used for smaller AN's ( < 1 cm)  and does have an improved probability of improved hearing preservation. It is also a less common approach and needs to be done by someone who performs that route a lot. However, with any approach the hearing preservation odds drop significantly as the size increases. At 1.8 cm they are not great with either mid fossa or retro sigmoid and when comparing facial nerve function at that size vs. translab there is a drop off as well. Good outcomes are certainly possible either way, but it is just a question of balancing risks you are comfortable with as is the case in any treatment option. Below is a link to study by Robert Jackler at Stanford , a well known AN specialist, which specifically addresses Middle Fossa vs. Translab at 1 cm or less vs 1-2 cm in size.

http://med.stanford.edu/profiles/frdActionServlet?choiceId=showPublication&pubid=40759&fid=3947

Best wishes,

Mark

[akajpa]

Hello

So i guess i'm on the same boat   

I thought Middle Fossa was good for tumor <2cm and not 1cm... So I was happy to know I could do that as mine is around 2 (1.7...) BUT, now I uess i'll need to read more about it....

Tks for the link!