What is the preferred treatment plan for an Optic Chiasm Tumor?!
Question: This is of course a very general question looking only for input.
An MRI revealed an optic chiasm tumor. This is the spot where the optic nerves from each eye meet and go into the brain. I am in the first stage of this having just had the MRI done. On Wednesday I have a consult with a neurosurgeon.
What can I expect?
Answers: This is of course a very general question looking only for input.
An MRI revealed an optic chiasm tumor. This is the spot where the optic nerves from each eye meet and go into the brain. I am in the first stage of this having just had the MRI done. On Wednesday I have a consult with a neurosurgeon.
What can I expect?
The area of your 'tumor' creates pressure on the chiasm, which secondarily has caused the field defects. These bi-temporal field defects are problematic as it sort of makes things like walking or driving a bit risky. Don't want to be driving into the ditch or the opposite lane, or stepping off a curb or stairs without knowing and launching into the air.
As the pituitary and hypothalamus ar right there, once this thing is removed and diagnosed, it's possible you may need hormonal replacement Rx. This type of hormone replacement includes Thyroid... those types of basic metabolic hormones.
You should do fairly well as this is a fairly 'common' problem. The access is through the mouth or throat, up into the chiasm area or sella area. You should do well, and hopefully you'll get your field back.
Depending on its current impact on your vision you might be suggested to have it surgically removed. Some slow growing tumors can be put on "watch" and see if it progresses.