Acoustic neuromas, also known as vestibular schwannomas, are benign tumors that arise from the cochleovestibular (hearing and balance) nerve. Over 5,000 of these tumors are diagnosed in the United States per year.
What is the treatment for acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)?
Treatment can include observation (watching and waiting), surgery or radiation. Other names for acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma include acoustic schwannoma, vestibular neuroma, auditory neuroma and inner ear tumor. What is acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)?
What kind of imaging is used to diagnose neuromas?
Imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging test to confirm the presence of acoustic neuroma and can detect tumors as small as 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. If MRI is unavailable or you can’t tolerate an MRI scan, computerized tomography (CT) may be used, but it may miss very small tumors.
Is neuneurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) autosomal dominant?
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is known as an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning that the mutation can be passed on by just one parent (dominant gene). Each child of an affected parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting it. An acoustic neuroma may cause a variety of permanent complications, including:
Acoustic neuromas (also called vestibular schwannomas) are non-cancerous tumors that develop on the vestibular nerve connecting the brain and inner ear. This nerve is responsible for balance and hearing.
How long does it take to recover from acoustic neuroma surgery?
After surgery for an acoustic neuroma, you will probably have to remain in hospital for a few days for monitoring. You should be fully recovered within 6-12 weeks, and, if your tumour was completely removed, you should not need any more treatment.
How often should patients with acoustic neuromas have follow-up MRIs?
Patients who undergo surgery for acoustic neuromas are normally instructed to have follow-up MRIs at one, two, five, and 10 years post-surgery in order to ensure that there is no regrowth of the tumor.
