surgeons in the midwest-looking for suggestions

[rmkelly]

 I have recently been diagnosed with AN.  I am in total shock and I am scared! I feel fortunate because it seems the only symptoms I have so far is mild hearing loss in the left ear and mild ringing.  We live in Indianapolis and I am looking for a surgeon in the Midwest.    If you have any suggestions please let me know. 

[dalemccl]

You asked about "surgeons" so I think you are probably planning for surgical removal of the tumor.  I can't help with surgeon names but if you end up considering radiosurgery treatment instead, Dr. Brian Chang at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne does Cyberknife. He treated my AN last April with Cyberknife.  Also, I've heard that I.U. Medical Center does Gamma Knife, (in Indy I think). 

Have you and your doctors already decided that surgical removal is a better choice than radiosurgery for your particular situation?  (As a newly diagnosed patient, if you are not yet familiar with radiosurgery treatment for AN, I highly recommend you check into it before making a final decision on treatment approach so that you can choose the best treatment for your situation. There is a sub-topic in this forum for Radiation/Radiosurgery. It has lots of information and patient stories.) 

[Cheryl R]

Univ of Iowa does a large number of AN surgeries.        Many patients from out of state.        There are also centers in Cleveland and Cincinnati.     I am an Iowa  so do go to Iowa City.   Found to become NF2 over time so 3 tumors removed.     Still hearing on one side.                   Cheryl R

[rmkelly]

Thank you for the suggestions... I really appreciate the advice....I do have some big decisions so any  insight is appreciated

[Greece Lover]

I'm also all in favor of University of Iowa.  I"d check into Dr. Marlan Hansen.  It's a bit of a drive, you don't want to mess around with this and it could be worth it. I can't say enough good things. PM if you'd like more info.

I'm really glad I had surgery.

[leapyrtwins]

Hi, rmkelly -

one of my best friends from college lives in Indy. 

My surgery (11 years ago) was done in the Chicago suburbs by Dr. Robert Battista @ the Ear Institute of Chicago. 

https://chicagoear.com/

I highly recommend him.  In addition to doing surgery to treat ANs, Dr. Battista also does radiation.

This is very important because it means he isn't "biased" when it comes to one treatment option vs another.

Docs who do surgery, typically recommend surgery.  Docs who do radiation, typically recommend radiation (if the ANs size and location make it possible).  You should consult with a doc who does both in order to get the pros & cons of each.

I've referred lots of people to Dr. Battista for both ANs and BAHAs - and all of them have thanked me.

If you do see him, tell him Jan sent you!

Good luck!