9 Years of Progressive Tinnitus — Took MRI Today, Got Worst Possible News

Not sure about biopsy. The neurosurgeon that called me said it is a viable option but it is not without risk. The tumor size is 3x2cm. He said that even if the tumor grows and a surgery is needed, it will "almost surely be succesful". So he was basically saying that the most likely treatment at this point is to start observing its growth. So it is "benign and has more space to grow before I start to get problems".

I am happy that my nearest hospital has some of the best neurosurgerons and tools in the world and they even operate some of the most difficult tumors from all over the world in the hospital.

 

You will want to find out whether the surgery will get more difficult once the tumor grows...

 

No I actually want to listen what the neurosurgeons suggest. They might have alternative treatment options.

 

Back in 1990s, the treatment for malignant tumors (my dad's tumor was stage 3) was surgery when the tumor was operable, and radiotherapy for inoperable tumors. When radiotherapy could not be used, it was replaced with chemotherapy.

 

His biggest symptom was dizziness.

 

I see the operation is the number one treatment but my case could be different. It could be so that the tumor doesn't grow for let's say ten years, then it grows a little etc... The neurosurgeon said the tumor might be very old and there's a specific reason to believe it has been there for 20 years.

The surgeries are always risky and might not be the primary option in my case but the next step is still unclear!

 

My dad had symptoms begin around 1982, the tumor was discovered in 1990. There must be a reason they distinguish between malignant and benign tumors. I thought malignant tumors grew slowly. Looks like benign tumors grow a lot slower.

 

My dad had experienced bleeding in his brain following his biopsy. For the next five years he ended up being fine, but for several months after that biopsy he had trouble walking.

 

Yeah that's the scary possibility of the biopsy. Maybe the technology is more advanged these days it is more unlikely to experience bleeding. But I'll accept whatever the neuros suggest.

 

I have auras too, but no headache, and extremely rarely, maybe twice a year. The first time I had an excruciating headache but ever since I haven't. I just lay down, and 20 minutes later I'm fine.

I also have this "shudder" sensation in my head, not physical, but it seems like sound. I have had that well before tinnitus and never questioned it.

I have had an MRI done, since my tinnitus onset in July 2018, and nothing was found, so I am not sure those sensations you mention are related to anything special.

I have only really started questioning my bodily sensations since T, where I've had them for decades before and always assumed it was normal biology. I'll mention it to my Tinnitus Specialist in two weeks, but I doubt it has anything to do with it and am inclined to shelf it under overthinking, which I am really good at usually.