Why do acoustic neuromas need to be removed?
The area of the ear and brain in which the acoustic neuroma grows is very small. Therefore, there is very little room for the tumour to grow. Eventually, without treatment, the tumour can press upon the brainstem and the nerves surrounding it. This pressure can cause serious health problems such as headaches, deterioration of sight, facial numbness and loss of co-ordination. At surgery, the smaller the acoustic neuroma is, the easier (and safer) it is to remove. Because the tumour grows so slowly, this usually gives us a fairly generous time period to detect it and plan surgery.
