An acoustic neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor. It grows on the acoustic nerve, which runs from the brain to the ear. This type of tumor typically grows slowly. It may cause hearing loss, balance problems, facial numbness, and headaches.
There are three main treatment options for an acoustic neuroma:
This fact sheet focuses on microsurgical removal.
A successful procedure results in complete removal of the tumor with minimal additional hearing loss.
Side effects may be temporary or permanent. If you are planning to have this surgery, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
The following medicines may be given before the procedure:
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.
The type of procedure will depend on your case. Factors such as hearing status and the size and location of the tumor will be considered. One of the following surgical methods will be selected:
This is often used when you already have significant hearing loss. The mastoid bone (part of skull) and bone in the inner ear will be removed. This allows access to the ear canal and the tumor.
An opening will be made in the skull behind the ear. This approach is used for large or small tumors. This process will make it easier to see and protect the nerves during surgery.
The tumor will be removed from the upper surface of the ear canal. This is used when there is a good chance that hearing may be preserved.
You will spend at least one night in the intensive care unit for care and observation.
The surgery takes about 6-12 hours. The exact length will depend on the size and location of the tumor.
Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. You may notice pain after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about medicines to help manage the pain.
The usual length of stay is 4-7 days. Your stay may be longer if there are complications.
During recovery, you may have some of the following:
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. They may include:
Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. MRI scans will be done regularly over the next several years. The scans will check to see if the tumor returns.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if you have:
RESOURCES:
American Hearing Research Foundation
http://www.american-hearing.org/
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Hearing Society
http://www.chs.ca/
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology
http://www.entcanada.org/
References:
Acoustic Neuroma Association website. Available at: http://anausa.org/.
Bennett M, Haynes DS. Surgical approaches and complications in the removal of vestibular schwannomas. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007;40(3):589-609.
International Radiosurgery Association website. Available at: http://www.irsa.org/.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Elie Edmond Rebiez, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.