if you see your MRI?? can you see the AN yourself?
Yes, you can see the tumor on the MRI if it isn't
too tiny (it shows up as a white space). The radiologists report will also note if there is a tumor and what size it is (in centimeters).
My wife has hypothyroid and she is having to self medicate cause she cant get a doctor to perscribe the right amount. I live near Roanoke VA.. does anyone know where a GOOD ENT is or, what kind of Dr can diagnose an AN??
No (I live in Connecticut) so my neurosurgeon is not a practical choice for you even if you wanted to use him - and besides, he is booked solid, as i understand it .
A
radiologist (the physician that 'reads' the MRI scan and writes up a report, available to you if you ask for it - you may have to insist) can usually spot an AN. A neurosurgeon familiar with brain abnormalities can diagnose the tumor as an Acoustic Neuroma if that is actually what you have. Not
all neurosurgeons are well-experienced with AN's as many do more spine operations than brain operations. Removing an Acoustric Neuroma is a very specialized, (obviously) delicate, lengthy surgery that requires lots of experience and a full surgical team.
Do not use a neurosurgeon who hasn't performed hundreds of AN removal surgeries. Experience is critical.
Sorry about your wife's problem...she really should find another doctor.
MRI's cost about $5,000. Is that
insane, or what? However, most MRI labs and/or hospitals will accept small monthly payments on your $1,000. deductable. It beats getting squat. I have payment plans at a few labs and two hospitals to pay off the deductables from my pre-op tests and hospitization. None of them objected (in the least) to a payment plan instead of just receiving a check for the full amount of the bill. By the way, my total bill for all services connected to my AN and the removal surgery came to near $100,000. and yes, my Blue Cross insurance did have deductables. Hey, this is your health and possibly your
lif[/u]e we're talking about here. Money should never stop anyone from getting whatever they need. AN's can
kill you, if left to grow. My neurosurgeon said not to worry about the fee. He would take $10. per month if necessary, because, he said, that I
had to have the AN removed, immediately...and I did. I have yet to even receive his bill for services but I know he charged Blue Cross a mere $28,000 for the operation. Very reasonable, considering the time and expertise involved. Not to mention the very successful outcome.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)scan 'with contrast' is critical to diagnosing an Acoustic Neuroma.
Contrast is a clear fluid and is given through a small IV drip
(i.e. a small needle) and shows up blood vessels more clearly. Highly recommended for spotting Acoustic Neuroma tumors (and lots of other things). It's quick to administer (about 3 minutes) and very safe. Most foks have no negative effects from the contrast fluid. Any good neurosurgeon will order the MRI
'with contrast'.
