Middle Fossa with Retrosigmoid??

[amandajoy]

Hello 

I am 32 yo woman who was diagnosed with an AN on in early July of this year. My AN is 1.3cm x 1.4cm and my hearing test confirmed that I have a lot of hearing still intact. I have lost the ability to hear high tones in my AN ear, but word recognition is still great. So, the doctors suggested I get surgery now while I have hearing to preserve. My surgery is tentatively scheduled for September 15, 2021.

I was surprised when my otologist suggested they would use the Middle Fossa AND Retrosigmoid approaches. He said this is because the tumor is inside and outside the internal auditory canal. I also think the fact that I have
hearing to save has something to do with the combined approaches.

Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm curious if the recovery will be harder. The doc didn't seem to think so. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!
Amanda Joy

[Cheryl R]

Your size of tumor is on the edge for mid fossa.        There are several who have had it.    There are no guarantee will save hearing but a chance.      I have had it on both sides due to NF2.    Worked on one side but not the other.       I have little pain with any of my surgeries as had translab once too.   Not dizzy but think my brain had compensated already.   Some off balance for a bit.   No headaches.     Not all drs do mid fossa.  Mine at Univ of Iowa does.    Everyone so varies with this.
                       Hard to know what is best decision.        Cheryl R

[Greece Lover]

I've never heard of a combined approach. I'd maybe ask how often they do this procedure. 

[amandajoy]

So, they said the combined approach gives them a couple of options. It could have the best chance of saving hearing. Especially since my tumor is kind of a heart shape inside and outside the inner ear canal. My doctor also said they want to make sure they don't leave any part of the tumor behind so that I don't need future surgery or radiation.

I have asked several different surgeons at University of Cincinnati (where I am having my surgery in 7 days) about it and I'm feeling a lot better about it. It isn't guaranteed that they will do both. They said it's a 50/50 chance. They will start with Middle Fossa and if they need to do Retrosigmoid, they will. I am told I have a 50-75% chance of saving hearing. Fingers crossed!

[Greece Lover]

I guess that makes sense. Good luck on the best possible outcome!