Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 10/20/2008

Question
I got my diagnosis last fall and had my 3rd MRI a couple of weeks ago.  Saw my Dr. at Hopkins last week.  He says there's no appreciable change in size (2x3mm).  My hearing has diminished according to the hearing test.  Last year he was ok with 'wait and see', now he wants to cut.  He knows I'm not interested in 'gamma knife'.  Where can I go for a valid 2nd opinion?  If I have surgery, how long will I be out of work?

Answer
Acoustic Neuroma surgery is very risky, and your risk is mostly dependent on the experience and skill of your surgeon.  Complications can range from debilitiating headaches to facial paralysis to crippling imbalance to reduced ability to concentrate. How many AN surgeries has your doctor performed in the past year?  If under 50, then there is a significant chance you will never be able to return to full-time work.  

Also, I am not clear why you are not interested in 'gamma knife'. Did you get information about it from your ENT or surgeon? Unless you have made sure to consult with a gamma knife specialist, just as you have with a surgeon, please do NOT assume that you are sufficiently knowledgeable about this option to make an informed decision.

Finally, are you sure that your tumor is 2x3 mm (millimeters), rather than 2x3 cm (centimeters)?  This makes a difference in your options and in your prognosis.  More likely, it is 2x3 cm.