Acoustic Neuroma

Types of Acoustic Neuroma - Treatment Options in India Explained

An acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous tumour that grows on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. This short explains the types of acoustic neuroma and the common approaches to treatment.

Understanding acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumour. It does not spread to other parts of the body.

• Slow growth. These tumours usually grow very slowly over many years on the nerve responsible for hearing and balance.
• Developing symptoms. Early symptoms can include hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and unsteadiness or loss of balance.
• Two main types. Most acoustic neuromas are sporadic and affect only one ear. A rarer type is associated with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which can cause tumours on both sides.
• Diagnosis. An MRI scan is the most effective way to confirm the presence, size, and location of an acoustic neuroma.

Common treatment approaches

The choice of treatment depends on the tumour's size and growth rate, your symptoms, and your general health.

• Observation. For small, slow-growing tumours with mild symptoms, a specialist may recommend monitoring with regular MRI scans. This is often called a 'watch and wait' approach.
• Surgery. A surgeon may operate to remove the tumour. The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as is safe, while aiming to preserve hearing and facial nerve function.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery. This is a non-surgical treatment that uses many small, focused beams of radiation to stop the tumour from growing. It is usually an option for smaller tumours.

The most suitable treatment for an acoustic neuroma depends on your individual case. A final decision is made only after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent imaging scans.