Acoustic neuroma
The acoustic neuroma is also known as vestibular schwannoma and is a benign primary intracranial tumour. More than 95 % of all acoustic neuromas only occur on one sight. In connection with neurofibromatosis type II they typically appear on both sides.
Please note that the following threads of our forum are currently only available in German language.
Aktuelles aus dem Akustikusneurinom Forum
Aktuelle Beiträge zum Thema Akustikusneurinom | Antw. |
|---|---|
| Erfahrungen nach Behandlung mit Radiochirurgie? | 2 |
| Missgefühl / -Geschmack an der Zunge? | 2 |
| OP oder Bestrahlung des Akustikusneurinoms? | 2 |
| Taubheit und Druck am Ohr nach OP? | 4 |
| MRT mit Cochlea Implantat möglich? | 11 |
Histology of Acoustic Neuroma
- slowly growing, benign tumours (WHO I)
- arise from Schwann cells
Epidemiology of Acoustic Neuroma
- occur in in middle age
- frequency: 1/100 000
- less than 5 % of acoustic neuroma are on both sides
Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma
- hearing loss (mostly on one side)
- noise in the ear
- dizziness
- equilibrium disturbance
- disturbance of sensitivity in the face
- paralysis of the facial nerve (facial paralysis)
- uncertain gait
Diagnosing Acoustic Neuroma
- ENT-diagnostic: hearing and balance tests, electrophysiological examination
- MRI and CT
- Contrast enhancing and clear demarcation of the tumour
- in MRI: hypo-isointense in T1, hyperintense in T2
- in CT: bony extension of the inner ear canal
- main localisation in cerebellopontine angle or inner ear canal
Therapy of Acoustic Neuroma
- „wait and scan“
- if possible, complete surgical removal
- alternatively radiosurgery and stereotectic radiotherapy
Therapy of Recurrent Acoustic Neuroma
- re-operation
- irradiation, possibly radiosurgery
Aftercare of Acoustic Neuroma
- after therapy: MRI´s up to five years
Course of Acoustic Neuroma
- very slowly growing, approximately 1 to 5 mm per year
- also stangnant cases are known
Prognosis of Acoustic Neuroma
- after complete surgical removal normal life expectancy can be reached
- only in very rare cases malignant forms have been seen
