Just as every patient is unique, so is every acoustic neuroma. The size and location of the tumor, as well as the age and health of the patient, play a role in determining the best treatment option. Those options range from "watch and wait" (avoiding any intervention unless the tumor begins to grow or symptoms to worsen) to surgery to remove the tumor. Some patients are good candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery, a minimally invasive option that may be able to shrink the tumor, or prevent it from growing.
It's important to be well informed on all options before making a decision, so patients diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma often wonder if they should seek second opinions. The answer is yes -- acoustic neuromas are complex tumors and it's worth talking to more than one expert in order to understand all the treatment choices and their implications.
Some patients worry that their doctor will be offended if they seek a second opinion. This is not true. At Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery , we fully support those of our patients who would like a second opinion, and we are happy to offer second opinions to patients who would like us to provide one.
A second opinion may ease a patient's concerns when it confirms the original diagnosis and treatment recommendation, or it may offer a new option to consider. Either way, knowledge is power, and your doctor will not be offended if you seek a second opinion.
If you would like to request a second opinion, please call one of the doctors listed on this page, or use our online form to request an appointment. If you can't make it to our offices, you may request a review of your case by using our secure Second Opinion Portal. Our specialists will review your images and records and provide you with a written report detailing their observations and recommendations.
