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Observation with a plan

Understanding Watch & Wait

Watch & Wait is active monitoring—not doing nothing. It creates a structured way to follow the tumor, hearing, and symptoms over time.

01

What monitoring may include

  • Follow-up MRI
  • Audiograms or other hearing checks
  • Symptom review
  • A clear plan for when the next appointment is due

Sources: 1, 2, 3

02

Questions about change

Your specialist can explain how measurements are compared, what degree of change matters, and how symptoms and hearing influence recommendations. Growth cannot be predicted perfectly from one scan.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

03

Caring for scanxiety

It is understandable to feel anxious before imaging or while waiting for results. Planning support, writing questions in advance, and knowing when results will be discussed may reduce some uncertainty.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Prepare for the conversation

Questions you may want to ask

Use the prompts that fit your situation and leave the rest for another day.

  1. 01When is my next MRI and hearing test?
  2. 02What change would lead us to reconsider the plan?
  3. 03Who should I contact about new symptoms?

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Related support

Understand follow-up MRIFind mental health and scanxiety support

Author

Abigail Villarin Cauilan

Acoustic Neuroma Survivor
Founder, Acoustic Neuroma Warrior

This page combines carefully sourced general education with survivor-informed clarity. Personal experience is identified as lived experience and is not presented as medical evidence.

Published
August 2026
Last updated
August 14, 2026

Editorial note: This page provides survivor-led general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.

Sources and further reading

Evidence behind this page

  1. EANO guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannomaEuropean Association of Neuro-Oncology · 2020
  2. The role of imaging in the management of patients with vestibular schwannomas: updateCongress of Neurological Surgeons · 2025
  3. Hearing preservation outcomes in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma: updateCongress of Neurological Surgeons · 2025

Sources are selected for authority and relevance. They support general education; they cannot determine what is appropriate for an individual patient.

Trust & safety

Survivor-led. Patient-friendly.

ANW shares general education and peer support, not personalized medical advice. Symptoms and recovery vary, and treatment decisions should always be discussed with your qualified healthcare team.

Continue at your pace

One clear next step is enough.

Save what helps, pause when you need to, and return whenever another question needs attention.

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