Benign Tumors

An acoustic neuroma (sometimes termed a neurolemmoma or schwannoma) is a benign (non-cancerous) tissue growth that arises on the eighth cranial nerve leading from the brain to the inner ear. This benign tumor typically grows in size slowly over a number of years. As the tumor increases in size it causes severe pressure on the brain. If left untreated, the acoustic neuroma tumor can be life threatening.

 

Hearing loss and other symptoms caused by acoustic neuroma occur in about one person out of 100,000. Most patients diagnosed with this type of benign tumor are between the ages of 30 and 60.

 

Treatment for severe conditions of acoustic neuroma are surgery or irradiation. Gamma Knife Surgery is sometimes used in treating acoustic neuroma. Please consult with your Physician to see whether this type of non-invasive surgery may be applicable to your condition.