As the tumor is in the intracranial cavity, there are nerves and other parts of the brain that can be severely impacted by the tumor as it grows. Unfortunately, though it is benign, it does grow locally and affects very important structures in the area. This means that the tumor does not spread to other areas of the body, such as malignant tumors do. This means that over 95% of all tumors occur as an isolated lesion, not associated with any other condition or any other tumor.Īcoustic Neuroma is a benign tumor. The large majority of these tumors, over 95% of all cases, are sporadic. Radiosurgery involves a single treatment session, whereas radiotherapy involves approximately three treatment sessions over a several day period.Acoustic Neuroma occurs in two forms, either a sporadic form or associated with an inherited syndrome called neurofibromatosis II (NF2). Radiation treatments for acoustic tumors are generally divided into two broad classes: radiosurgery or radiotherapy. Unlike microsurgery, radiation for acoustic tumors does not remove the tumor, but rather prevents the tumor from growing. The “blades” of the radiation are the beams of radiation computer programmed to target the lesion at the point where the beams intersect. Despite its name, these radiation techniques do not require an incision the skull is never opened. The Ear Institute of Illinois is involved with two of the most common types of radiation treatments: Gamma Knife (radiosurgery) and CyberKnife (radiotherapy). Radiation Treatments (Radiosurgery or Radiotherapy)There are several different techniques of radiation treatments for acoustic tumors. For more information regarding surgical removal, please click here. The Ear Institute of Illinois is well versed in all surgical approaches for acoustic neuroma management. The type of approach is individualized depending on the patient’s wishes, hearing level, other neurological symptoms, as well as the location and size of the tumor. Surgical RemovalThere are several surgical approaches that may be used to remove an acoustic tumor. For more information regarding observation, please click here. If the tumor increases in size, treatment may be recommended. If the tumor does not grow, observation is continued. A MRI scan of the tumor and surrounding region must be performed periodically to determine if there is significant change in the size of the tumor. When a small tumor is discovered in an older patient, observation to study the growth rate of the tumor may be indicated if acute symptoms are not present. ObservationSince acoustic neuromas are benign, often slow-growing tumors, careful observation over a period of time may be appropriate for some patients. A contrast material, gadolinium, is given during the MRI to enhance the visibility of the tumor. MRI uses magnetic pulses and radio frequency waves to produce an image of a portion of the body being studied. A properly performed MRI can identify acoustic neuromas as small as 2-3mm. The most accurate imaging technique for acoustic neuroma identification is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A detailed “imaging” is ordered if there is an abnormality of the ABR test. Abnormal ABR results suggest a poorly functioning hearing nerve. An ABR provides information on the passage of an electrical impulse along the hearing nerve from the ear to the brain. An auditory brainstem response test (abbreviated ABR, BAER, or BSER) is ordered if there are any asymmetries in hearing testing between the right and left ears. Hearing testing is performed to identify any loss of hearing or speech understanding. The first step in identifying a possible tumor is a thorough history and physical examination by a physician. Identifying the tumorWith appropriate tests it is now possible to identify tumors as small as 2-3mm in size. Loss of balance, dizziness or facial weakness may develop as the tumor continues to grow. Tinnitus (ear noise) is also a common symptom. Therefore, hearing loss is the first symptom in over 90% of patients with acoustic neuroma. When acoustic neuromas grow in size, the tumor compresses the hearing nerve. These tumors usually grow slowly over a period of many years. Acoustic neuromas commonly develop inside the internal auditory canal.
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