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.
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Aktuelles aus dem Akustikusneurinom Forum
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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
