What is an Acoustic Neuroma/Vestibular Schwannoma?
An acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma is a benign tumor (not a cancer or a malignant tumor) that develops on or about the nerves for balance and hearing as they travel between the inner ear and brainstem. This tumor ordinarily does not spread to distant parts of the body but because of its strategic location, is still a significant threat to life. If left alone, this tumor will slowly grow, destroying all hearing and balance and eventually paralyze the side of the face. With time, it will press against the brainstem and cause increased intracranial pressure and even death. For this reason, this tumor must be removed. There are several different surgical approaches to removal of this tumor, all of which share common risks. A good surgical team should be made up of an experienced neurotologist, a neurosurgeon, and an anesthesiologist who can base their surgical approach on the size of the tumor and the patients condition rather than on their surgical abilities.
