Acoustic Neuroma
Medifocus Guidebook: Acoustic Neuroma
Updated: 01/10/2007
Comprehensive overview of
Acoustic Neuroma
Explore your treatment options
Learn about new developments
Read medical journal abstracts
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Introduction
An acoustic neuroma, sometimes also called a vestibular schwannoma or neurolemmoma, is a benign (non-cancerrous) growth or tumor that is located on the eight cranial nerve (acoustic nerve) that leads from the inner ear to the brain. The problem with acoustic neuromas is that as they expand in size and grow larger, they can push against the brain. While the tumor does not actually invade the brain, the pressure of the tumor can displace brain tissue.
The exact cause of acoustic neuromas is unknown and most occur spontaneously. Although they can occur as early as age 7, most people with acoustic neuromas are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60. The incidence of acoustic neuromas is slightly higher among women (60%) than men (40%).
Thanks to modern imagining tests, the diagnosis of acoustic neuromas can now be made earlier when the majority of tumors are smaller. Due to advances in microsurgery, including intraoperative monitoring of facial and cochlear function, the risks of facial paralysis and hearing loss have been greatly reduced. Today, many tumors can be treated effectively with both surgery and radiation therapy.
The outcomes for small acoustic neuromas are generally better than for larger tumors. After treatment, patients with large tumors (larger than 2.5 cm) are likely to experience significant hearing loss and the preservation of hearing may not be possible. An acoustic neuroma that continues to grow and is not treated or removed will ultimately result in brainstem compression, hydrocephalus, and brain herniation.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Acoustic Neuroma contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Acoustic Neuroma as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.
The MediFocus Guidebook on Acoustic Neuroma will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Acoustic Neuroma. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Acoustic Neuroma.
Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Acoustic Neuroma complete this valuable Guidebook.
You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Acoustic Neuroma so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma.
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