Definition:
An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous (benign), often slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It is located behind the ear right under the brain.
Alternative Names:
Vestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumor
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
An acoustic neuroma is believed to occur when there is a defect in a gene that normally prevents tumors from forming. The cause of the genetic defect is not known. However, acoustic neuroma is often linked with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon.
References:
Maity A. Cancer of the Central Nervous System. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 70. Abram S, Rosenblatt P, Holcomb S. Stereotactic radiation techniques in the treatment of acoustic schwannomas. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007;40:571-588. Bennett M, Haynes DS. Surgical approaches and complications in the removal of vestibular schwannomas. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007;40:589-609. Backous DD, Pham HT. Guiding patients through the choices for treating vestibular schwannomas: balancing options and ensuring informed consent. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007;40:521-540.
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