Acoustic neuroma
Alternative names:
Vestibular schwannoma; tumor - acoustic; cerebellopontine
angle tumor; angle tumor
Definition:
An acoustic neuroma is a benign,
noncancerous, often slow-growing tumor
of the 8th cranial (auditory) nerve.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
These tumors are thought to arise when there is a defect
in a certain tumor suppressor gene. It is unknown, however,
why this genetic defect occurs. There is a high association
of acoustic neuroma with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis
type 2 (NF2).
Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon as a whole, but
they are among the most common tumors of the head. They affect
approximately 1 out of 100,000 people.
The tumor is most commonly located at the base of the brain,
where the auditory nerve leaves the skull cavity and enters
the bony structure of the inner ear.
Update Date: 06/22/00
Christopher J. Winfree, M.D. Resident, Department of Neurological
Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital
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