Acoustic neurinoma

What is acoustic neuroma?

Auditory neurinoma or acoustic neuroma is a tumor that forms in the internal auditory canal. Although it is a benign tumor, it is aggressive because when it is not diagnosed in its early stages, it grows in size and can compress neural structures.

What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma?

The most common symptoms are:

  • Vertigo
  • Ringing in the affected ear
  • Gradual hearing loss

Other less common symptoms may also occur, such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty understanding speech
  • Numbness or pain in the face or ear
  • Loss of balance
  • Weakness of the face

What are the causes of acoustic neuroma?

The causes of acoustic neuroma are generally unknown. If it is on both sides of the vestibular nerve, the cause is usually neurofibromatosis type 2, an inherited disease.

Can acoustic neurinoma be prevented?

No specific measures are known to prevent this pathology, although healthy lifestyle habits, including a varied and fat-free diet, not smoking, not drinking alcohol in excess and exercising, favor the immune system, which can reduce the risk of suffering from diseases in general.

What is the treatment of acoustic neuroma?

In most cases, especially if the tumor is large, is causing symptoms, is growing rapidly or is putting too much pressure on the brain, surgery is required to remove the tumor. This intervention risks hearing loss or weakening of the face.

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Another treatment is eterotactic radiosurgery, a form of radiation therapy that involves focusing high-powered X-rays on a small area. It is used when the tumor is difficult to remove surgically.