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An acoustic neuroma
is a benign tumor of the lining of the balance nerve (vestibular Schwannoma). The tumor does not spread to other parts of the body. Instead, this warty growth causes symptoms by pressing on other nerves and stealing their blood supply. Because the tumor arises in the bone canal (internal auditory canal) which transmits the hearing, balance and face nerves, symptoms from those nerves can occur. In addition, these tumors can grow enough to place pressure on the brain itself. The natural history for these tumors is continued growth. In general, the treatment of choice is surgical removal, although, in certain cases observation with regular scans or even radiosurgery therapy may be indicated. These tumors are non-malignant fibrous growths that do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They constitute six to ten per cent of all brain tumors. These growths are located deep inside the skull and are adjacent to vital brain centers. The first signs or symptoms one notices are usually related to ear function and include head noise and disturbances in hearing and balance. As the tumors enlarge, they involve other surrounding nerves having to do with more vital functions. Headache may develop as a result of increased pressure on the brain. If allowed to continue over a long period of time, this pressure on the brain is ultimately fatal. In most cases these tumors grow slowly over a period of years. In others, the rate of growth is more rapid. In some, the symptoms are very minimal and in others, severe multiple symptoms develop rather rapidly.
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