The lack of clear information and guidance in this area makes the decision making process difficult for some patients. These various considerations may not apply to all types of radiosurgery or radiotherapy, however, and different doctors disagree whether they are all valid or not. Identify physicians you can trust and consult with them on these subjects. Many regional centers for the surgical treatment of acoustic tumors, such as ours, have lower complication rates than reported for radiation. Although some radiotherapists will treat all sizes of tumors, there is increased risk in radiating large tumors.
Tumors often increase in size following radiation because of swelling.
Tumor swelling may cause potentially life-threatening brain swelling and hydrocephalus. See our pros and cons of treatments section and select the pros and cons of radiosurgery section. But it also has risks. You know quickly your outcome, and though the odds are great that you will be fine, there are no guarantees. Then you adjust to your outcome and AN recedes into your past, assuming you have no permanent complications.