DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Acoustic neuroma

Definition:
An acoustic neuroma is a benign, noncancerous, often slow-growing tumor of the nerve which connects the ear to the brain (8th cranial or auditory) nerve.

Alternative Names:
Vestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumor

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

These tumors are thought to arise when there is a defect in a certain tumor suppressor gene, which normally prevents tumors from occurring. 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 in general, but they are one of the most common types of brain tumors. They affect approximately 1 out of 100,000 people per year.

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.



Review Date: 5/17/2002
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com