An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing, noncancerous tumor that develops along the nerve that connects the brain and ear. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents the body from stopping tumor growth, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although acoustic neuromas can affect people of any age, including children, they are typically diagnosed in people older than 30 because they grow so slowly that symptoms often do not develop for many years.
Prevalence
Acoustic neuroma is relatively rare. According to the Acoustic Neuroma Association, studies in Denmark published in 2004 show the incidence is close to 2 persons per 100,000. But 2008 information provided by the ANA, notes that the incidence is rising, possibly because better technology used in MRI scans, which can be used to diagnose the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Acoustic neuroma symptoms vary based on where exactly the tumor is located and how big it is. Children with the condition may experience bouts of vertigo or other sensations that the body is moving. Some children also experience ringing in the ear, or hearing loss in the ear that is affected by the tumor. Less common symptoms include headaches, loss of balance, difficulty speaking, numbness in the face or ear, vision problems and fatigue, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Diagnosis
Children with acoustic neuroma often present normally during a physical exam, although noticeable signs may include drooling and dilation of one pupil. A doctor may suspect a child has acoustic neuroma based on the symptoms with which he presents. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will likely order a series of tests. The most reliable imaging test for acoustic neuroma is an MRI, but CT scans can also be performed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The doctor may also order hearing tests and tests that measure brain stem function to aid in the proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Because acoustic neuromas grow so slowly, many children may require no immediate treatment for many years. In fact, some tumors stop growing and will never require treatment, according to MayoClinic.com. In these cases, doctors typically monitor the condition with regular MRIs to examine the tumor for growth. When treatment is necessary, surgery or radiation is used to either remove or shrink the tumor. The goal of surgical removal is to prevent facial paralysis. Hearing in the affected ear can usually only be preserved when small tumors are removed. Radiation therapy will not cure the condition, but can slow the growth of the tumor. It is often used in people who cannot tolerate brain surgery to remove the tumor.
Prognosis
Because an acoustic neuroma is not cancerous, the tumor will not metastasize and form tumors elsewhere in the body. However, its growth over time can affect parts of the brain, according to the National Institutes of Health. Complications are also possible based on treatment options. Children with small tumors may have few if any noticeable signs or complications from the tumor. As they get larger, though, facial paralysis can develop.
