Acoustic Neuroma - What is an Acoustic Neuroma?
The eighth nerve from the brain is called the 8th Cranial
Nerve or the Acoustic Nerve. The Acoustic Nerve leads from the inner
ear to the brain.
Acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerrous) growth or tumor that is located on the eight cranial nerve (acoustic nerve)
Although an Acoustic Neuroma is benign it often expands slowly in size and pushes against the brain. The benign tumor does not actually invade the brain but it does press against it and can displace brain tissue.
The Cause of Acoustic Neuroma
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%).
Modern imaging tests such as MRI scan now allow for earlier
diagnosis and easier surgical treatment. Facial paralysis used to be a
problem after acoustic neuroma surgery but new techniques mean that this
is less likely to occur.
Many Acoustic Neuroma patients can be treated
effectively with both surgery and radiation therapy.
As with many other ear nose and throat conditions the success rate for treating these type of problems is increasing all the time. No matter how scary the diagnosis might seem at first you need to find a way to stay positive and stay focussed on making yourself healthy and well again.
Other related pages include:
Ear Nose and Throat Conditions