time frame for follow up MRIs and are steroids necessary?

[Twindy]

What is the typical time frame for follow up MRIs after radiation.  Do most people do 6 months?  Does anyone wait a year?  I had radiation 6 months ago and am debating whether or not to do a 6 month MRI.  I'm having some pretty constant tinnitus which is making it more difficult to hear--probably losing some hearing as well.  If there is swelling, are steroids necessary for the swelling to go down or will it possibly go down on it's own?  I'm hoping to avoid steroids if I can, so not sure an MRI is necessary.  However, if reducing swelling is the key to hearing preservation, I would of course want to go ahead and do that.    Thanks!

[PaulW]

I believe the frequency of the MRI checkup will depend on the treating specialists preferences and the size of the tumour.
A very small tumour may only need a 6 monthly followed by yearly as mine did. Larger tumours where complications are more likely to occur will need 6 monthly for longer. As for the steroids, there are varying theories about this.
Some centres will prescribe them as part of the treatment, some its optional and some dont prescribe steroids at all.
The side effects of steroid use can be pretty crappy, so their use should not be taken lightly.

[Jim Scott]

Twindy ~

The frequency of MRI scans following tumor irradiation is up to your doctor.  Generally - and in my experience (I underwent FSR on a debulked AN) - MRI scans are ordered at six month intervals for the first two years or so.  Again, this is not a rule but simply what many doctors do for AN radiation patient follow-up.  However, some doctors follow a different MRI schedule. 

My doctor ordered an MRI at six months post surgery/radiation.  It showed some swelling so he ordered another, three months later, just as a precaution.  The swelling had subsided by then but I underwent another MRI at my one-year FSR 'anniversary'.  My doctor ordered another MRI at my two-year surgery/radiation anniversary.  That one indicated tumor necrosis and slight shrinkage.  I had not experienced AN symptoms in the two years following my surgery & radiation so my doctor felt confident that I could go five years before my next MRI, assuming no symptoms arose.  They haven't.  I'll probably have an MRI scan in 2013. 

Post-radiation swelling is typical at six months or so.  I experienced it but no steroids were prescribed and it went away on it's own.  No guarantee that post-radiation swelling or the lack of it will affect hearing retention but that is a question your doctor can better explain.

Jim

[Twindy]

Thanks.  After a short email correspondance with my dr., I will go ahead and do an MRI here at 6 months post radiation rather than waiting until a year post.  However, both he and I agree that we don't want to jump into steroid treatment if possible.  I will also see my otolaryngologist on the same day to discuss hearing, tinnitus, and and get a hearing test.  This will all happen next week.  If there harm in not treating the swelling?

[Jim Scott]

Thanks.  After a short email correspondance with my dr., I will go ahead and do an MRI here at 6 months post radiation rather than waiting until a year post.  However, both he and I agree that we don't want to jump into steroid treatment if possible.  I will also see my otolaryngologist on the same day to discuss hearing, tinnitus, and and get a hearing test.  This will all happen next week.  If there harm in not treating the swelling?

Twindy ~

Only if the swelling were enough to impact crucial nerves - and you would be very aware of that, if it happened.  As I mentioned, I experienced some (mild) swelling but my doctor did not think steroids were necessary unless it got worse.  Fortunately, the swelling subsided in a short time and no steroids were needed.  I trust that will be your experience but we are unique and one AN patients experience can be a guide but never a template, as it were.

Jim

[Twindy]

Good to know Jim, thanks!

[Bonnie B.]

Does anyone know how long swelling can last after GK?  I had six month MRI which showed some swelling in September.  Since that time I have developed pain in and behind my ear along with very slight dizziness.  I am wondering if that is due to more swelling.   

[PaulW]

Tumour swelling varies, it may or may not happen.
Tumours typically swell for 6 months - 2 years.
My experience with radiation was that the first 6 months gave me the most symptoms.
Symptoms were really more of the same that I had before, but worse.

[jfspainter]

Twindy,
I went to see my brain man last Tuesday. I had a 6 month on 1/16/13. He is not in favor really
 In  of steroids and he said I wouldn't need an MRI for 9 months. He did give me a steroid but it hasn't done anything. I am on an anti-vert  pill but today I was off balance more than usual. I guess the swelling just keeps squeezing away where it feels like. I can always tell you where. Also I have very numb left face, tongue, eyeball and teeth. This has been going on since Nov 15thish. I guess everyone is different. Can't wait to have a normal day. My tumor was 2.3cm LS.

Best to you, Jane