Another Newcomer?

[daharris]

Hello all,

  I am a 52 yr. old male who appears to have been diagnosed with an probable intrcanicular AN of the left 8th nerve.

I have had a loss of hearing for several months and tinnitus for the last 3 weeks. I also seem to have a sense of stumbling from time to time...although very infrequent.

The MRI report mentioned that "The findings could be secondary to an early intrcanicular AN of the left 8th nerve. Since there is no mass present, inflammation of the left 8th nerve from other etiology could present with a similar appearance"

This really is confusing... do I have an AN or what?  I have scheduled appointments with three different neurosurgeons whose interests are AN; Gamma Knife & resection as well. All three are from reputable hospitals and I have investigated their backgrounds extensively.

I guess I'm trying to find out if anyone else had a similar diagnosis. I have researched all the avaiable post-diagnostic treatments and
will probably opt for the craniotomy (total removal - if there).

Thanks in advance for any input.

D

[jan pentecost]

Just my 2 cents worth but opting for a craniotomy...that is removal of your cranium and that isn't surgery for adn Acoustic Neuroma.
It sounds like a wait and see diagnosis for far. This tumor is very slow growing...and if there is a chance of something else causing your symptoms, by all means...don't opt for surgery right off the bat.
I personally don't feel a person with an AN has to see a neurosurgeon....
There are specialist who specialize in the inner ear and nerves....my doc has done over 500 of these  and his specialty is Otology and Neurology. I have a new found AN friend who had her surgery recently..(two years) and by a neurologist. She had a surgical proceedure with her head held up in a sling, When I told her how mine was going to occur...and how most of us here have had their surgeries....she was dumbfounded.
Arm yourself with as much info asyou can about AN's....have a load of quesions and read, read, read about AN....read the stories here....
I had hearing loss, unsteady balance...with some tripping. My MRI showed a growth...there was no doubt. But if a growth isn't visible...please don't jump into something you may not need.
Just my humble opinion.
jan

[kristin]

actually i checked my medical records and i had a "middle fossa craniotomy with removal of acoustic tumor"

[Cheryl R]

My original MRI report said neuronitis vs smalll acoustic neuroma.     I  was given a choice of going to Mayo or the Univ of Iowa and went to Iowa.       I still didn't know for sure what I had till my Dr walked in talking about my tumor and we were blown away as I was hoping it wasn't.     But my MRI did show thre enhancement showing brightly that was the tumor.   
Good luck with whatever you find out and in most cases there is no need to rush into surgery if that's the route you choose.                           Cheryl R.

[jan pentecost]

Thanks for correcting me...I come from a nursing background but haven't been in it for over ten years. I over-reacted when I saw just the word..craniotomy.
 :-\Thanks, again, Kristin....think I'll go eat worms.
jan

[russ]

Hi Daharris!
  Been there myself with the earliest MRI. The radiologists report said either acoustic neuroma or vestibular neuronitis.
I took this to Mayo Clinic and they immediately said, "AN"; .5 cm. at that time, now 1.5 cm. and watching.
  Hearing has gotten worse and balance function of that side shows nil ( canal paresis ) by an ENG with calorics test.
  Now, MRIs do vary and have an inherrant inaccuracy potential of + or - 1 - 2 mm.
  Seems if your symptoms worsen, you should get another MRI reasonably soon. Even if they don't worsen, if it were my situation, I would want another MRI in 6 months. Make sure this is being done at a large treating facility with an ENT dept. well experienced in acoustic neuromas. It must be at least a closed tube T-3 weighted scanner and not of the newer open variety some ill informed Drs order.
  Best wishes in this!
  Russ