What Is It? Why Did It Grow?
Acoustic neuromas constitute 6 to 10% of all brain tumors. They are benign and usually are slow growing. Their early symptoms are misleading because they are similar to other common ENT problems.
There are no typical patterns of symptoms, thus making early diagnosis a challenge.The cells which form an acoustic neuroma are called schwann cells and make up the lining of the eighth cranial nerve as it passes through a tiny canal which connects the inner ear to the brain.
Unknown events lead to an overproduction of schwann cells. As they multiply, they form a small tumor which fills the canal.
What Causes Acoustic Neuroma And What Is Its Growth Pattern?
The cause of acoustic neuroma is unknown. except for a small percentage of individuals in whom both sides are involved. In these instances, there often is a hereditary factor.
Acoustic neuromas usually grow very slowly, sometimes over a period of many years.
They characteristically remain within their lining (encapsulated), and displace normal tissue very slowly, so that the body accommodates as long as possible to this abnormal growth.
An acoustic neuroma first distorts the eighth nerve, then presses on the seventh nerve. The slowly enlarging tumor protrudes from the internal auditory canal inside the skull into an area behind the mastoid bone called the cerebellopontine angle. It then begins to assume a pear shape, the small end within the canal.
The tumor then presses on adjacent nerves, such as the fifth, or trigeminal, which is the nerve of facial sensation, and on other parts of the brain, causing more intense symptoms like imbalance/giddiness and finally damages a portion needed to maintain life.
How Often Do Acoustic Neuroma Occur?
Estimates of occurrence of acoustic neuroma which cause symptoms range from one in every 3,500 persons to five in every million people. More women than men are affected.
What Damage Can It Cause Untreated?
As the tumor expands, it extends into the brain, assuming a pear shape and putting pressure on the nerves and brain.
By this time the patient may have had some of the symptoms which an acoustic tumor can cause-hearing impairment in one ear, ringing noise in ear called tinnitus, and fullness in the ear.
Other symptoms which may develop include unsteadiness or imbalance and facial numbness or twitching. Continued growth can produce further symptoms, and death may eventually result if the tumor goes undiagnosed and untreated.
How Is It Found?
The diagnosis of acoustic neuroma is made after a patient reports one-sided hearing loss, and the appropriate tests are done to locate the cause. Special audiometry testing can suggest that an acoustic neuroma is the cause of a hearing problem.
What Can Be Done About It?
Treatment depends on size of the tumor and ranges from observation, stereotactic surgery to neuro surgery. Stereotactic surgery or gamma knife surgery is used for small tumors and in cases where surgery is difficult to perform.
The surgery team is made up of a neurosurgeon (brain surgeon) and a neuro-otologist (ear surgeon).
Removal of the tumor may be approached through the back of the head (sub-occipital or posterior fossa), the mastoid and inner ear structure (translabyrinthine), or above the ear (middle fossa).
The choice depends on the location and size of the tumor, degree of residual hearing, and the surgeon’s preference.
The surgeon will review the operation details, including:
- The incisions and approach
- Risks of the operation
- Special instruments used
- Expected hospital stay
- Recovery time before returning to activity
- Post-operative care
What Are The Special Cautions About Removal?
Your health deserves expert hands, from precise diagnosis to advanced surgical techniques like stereotactic surgery and gamma knife treatment. For expert tumour treatment, consult the best ENT surgeon in Hyderabad. Book your appointment today.
What Are The Special Cautions About Removal?
The goal of acoustic neuroma treatment and surgery is to preserve life and to leave unchanged as much nerve and other involved tissue as possible. However, because of the delicate location of the tumor and necessary manipulation during surgery, neurological damage may be increased, at least for a time after surgery.
This may include total and permanent one-sided hearing loss where formerly there was only a mild hearing loss, less than perfect balance, facial weakness, eye discomfort and headaches.
However, modern operating techniques using microsurgery, experienced surgeons, and careful follow-up care have significantly reduced these complications after treatment. In general, the smaller the tumor at the time of surgery, the lesser the chance of complications.
At Dr. Deenadayal's ENT Care Centre, our team focuses on early diagnosis and advanced microsurgical techniques to minimize complications during acoustic neuroma removal. With expert care and precise surgical methods, we aim to preserve nerve function and ensure safer recovery outcomes for our patients.
What Are The Problems After Surgery?
Even with the best surgical technique, there can be some permanent consequences.
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus(ringing in the ear)
- Facial weakness or paralysis
- Eye problems
- Taste disturbance and mouth dryness or excessive salivation
- Swallowing and voice problems
- Balance problems
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dental problem
- Protecting the other ear by avoiding loud and sudden noises near the good ear