My guess is the answers will be all over the spectrum, depending upon each patient and doctor and situation.
I am assuming you have had yearly MRIs since surgery to this point. I am not a doctor, but if the remaining bit of tumor has not changed since your surgery five years ago, the likelihood of it suddenly beginning to grow now is quite remote. From what I could gather at the June, 2011 ANA Symposium in Cincinnati, if a tumor is going to grow again, it is most likely to occur within the first 10 years ...... with the greatest number occurring within 5 years.
I was told that my tumor was totally removed in February, 2008. However, in February, 2011 the MRI showed a 1.3 cm recurrent tumor. This regrowth was removed in May, 2011. Dr. Friedman said I did not need an MRI for a year and if it was clear, another in 4 years (5 years post op). If that one was also clear then there would be no need for any more MRIs because of my AN.
Obviously, if a patient is experiencing new symptoms post-op, further MRIs should be done as a precaution ...... at any point in time.
Just my two cents. Clarice
