An uncommon tumor, an acoustic neuroma forms on the cranial nerve that connects the ear to the brain, according to MedlinePlus. An acoustic neuroma is not cancerous and grows slowly, typically causing symptoms to begin after age 30. Patients can have hearing loss, ringing in the ear and vertigo, where it feels like everything is spinning around the patients. While an acoustic neuroma cannot spread to other parts of the body, it can grow and impair normal functions, resulting in the need for treatment.
Diagnosis
Since the symptoms of an acoustic neuroma can resemble other conditions, the doctor needs to perform certain tests. For example, MayoClinic.com notes that the doctor may perform a brain stem auditory evoked response, which the doctor uses to examine neurological and hearing functions. The doctor may also do an audiometry, a type of hearing test, and an electronystagmography, which uses abnormal rhythmic eye movements to evaluate balance. To determine the location of the tumor, the doctor can use certain imaging tests, such as a computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans.
Observation
As part of the treatment for an acoustic neuroma, the doctor will observe the progression of the tumor. MedlinePlus explains that the doctor will look for small tumors that produce few symptoms. Using an MRI scan, the doctor will look for any changes, such as growth of the tumor. If the tumor changes, then the patient will start treatment. If a small acoustic neuroma does not change, the patient may not need treatment.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Brain Surgery
If acoustic neuroma patients need treatment, they may have stereotactic radiosurgery or brain surgery. With stereotactic radiosurgery, the doctor targets the radiation directly at the tumor. The doctor does not make any incisions with stereotactic radiosurgery. This treatment option slows the growth of the tumor. MedlinePlus points out that patients who cannot have brain surgery performed will undergo stereotactic radiosurgery. The other treatment option for an acoustic neuroma, brain surgery, involves the doctor making an incision in the skull to remove the tumor. MayoClinic.com notes that the recovery time after brain surgery is six weeks or more.
Complications
The treatments for an acoustic neuroma have possible complications. For example, MedlinePlus explains that after brain surgery, two-third of patients who have large tumors have some facial paralysis. Stereotactic radiosurgery also has complications, which include facial paralysis, nerve damage and hearing loss.
Prognosis
If an acoustic neuroma is left unmonitored and untreated, it may grow and put pressure on nearby areas of the skull. For most patients, brain surgery removes most of the tumor, relieving the symptoms.
