Acoustic Neuromas - Physician Information

Information for Patients
Research Support

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that are usually slow growing, and arise from the Schwann cells covering the vestibular (balance) nerves. They are sometimes also referred to as vestibular schwannomas. As these tumors grow they may cause tinnitus, hearing loss, balance difficulties, or facial nerve weakness. If the tumor becomes very large it may also press on the brain leading to more severe symptoms and possibly death if not treated. They tend to be slow growing, and do not metastasize or go to other areas of the body.

Modern treatment may include observation, gamma knife therapy, or surgery depending on the size of the tumor, the age of the patient, and the symptoms that the tumor is causing.

Gamma knife therapy offers the advantage of avoidance of surgery, in small tumors, but does require ongoing monitoring through serial MRI scans for an extended period of time. The goal of gamma knife therapy is to prevent further growth of the tumor, not elimination or cure.

To learn more about acoustic neuromas, contact Neil Giddings, MD.

Further information is available through this link:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acousticneuroma.html

Research Support