subocciptal surger to remove epidermoid in CPA

[lj28]

Hi. I am a healthy 28 yr old (no smoking no drinking) that has horrible pain in my right lower jaw extending throat/neck and sometimes right shoulder through arm with pins needles and numbness. I've had undiagnosed headaches and dizzy spells for about 8 years though typically not severe enough to interfere with daily life. Last month my doctor ordered an MRI to address jaw pain and a 2.5cm x 3.5cm epidermoid inclusion cyst was found along my CPA.  The tumor engulfs the IACA and 7th and 8th nerves. I started collecting my past medical histories and found an MRI taken 5 years ago that shows the tumor (though then only half the size) that went undiagnosed.

One month later I'm scheduled to get a subocciptal approach surgery to resect what they can of the tumor. Concern of the surgery is loss of facial control and swallowing in addition to hearing in right ear.

Do I have any other options to surgery? What are the best facilities that I should be checking out for performing the surgery? What questions should I be asking? What should be my expectations of the surgery?