What Is Acoustic Schwannoma?
It is a non-cancerous tumor that occurs in the brain. It arises on the main nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain. This rare type of tumor grows very slowly, and sometimes it doesn't grow at all. In some rare cases, it can grow rapidly, causing pressure on the internal organs of the brain.
What Are The Symptoms Of Having An Acoustic Schwannoma?
The main symptoms include –
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Hearing loss
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Balance disorder
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Dizziness
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Headache
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Ringing ears
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Rapid uncontrolled eye movement
One should immediately consult a neurologist if experiencing any of these symptoms.
What Are The Treatments Of Acoustic Schwannoma?
The Acoustic Schwannoma treatment depends on the size, stage, and growth of the tumor.
First, doctors diagnose the tumor by using a contrast MRI or CT scan so that the treatment can be started.
A doctor can recommend Radiosurgery (Application of high power radiation therapy pointing on that particular tumor), Craniotomy (By removing a piece of bone or skull for removing the tumor), or Microsurgery (Performed by small blood vessels and nerves by using a microscope) depending on the tumor. These types of surgeries usually take something between three to six hours.
Radiation therapy is mostly the primary preference of doctors before performing surgery as the surgery has some complications and risks, such as the risk of damaging the remaining hearing ability. The doctor also can recommend Stereotactic Radiation therapy (Therapy by aiming different energy beams pointing at the particular tumor)
It is important to monitor the improvement during the treatment.
Sometimes, Because of the size of this type of tumor, patients may experience complete or partial hearing loss. In these cases, doctors usually recommend a hearing aid so that the patient can hear clearly.
How Dangerous Is Acoustic Schwannoma?
Though this type of tumor is usually not cancerous, there are reasons why you should not ignore this and treat this as soon as possible. Some of the reasons are mentioned below.
· It can cause a dangerous buildup of fluids in your brain that can affect your brain functionalities in different ways, and other problems can occur as well.
· It can cause compression of the cerebellum and brainstem. This can be life-threatening if not treated.
· One can completely or partially lose the hearing ability as the tumor will start to pressurize the internal hearing organs after a certain level.
· It can affect the other nerves and cells in your brain, causing several damages to the central balance system.
· The size of this type of tumor can block the flow of CSF or cerebrospinal fluid and cause hydrocephalus. It can cause severe vision problems and breathing trouble.
· After a certain point, patients can start having delusions and other psychotic issues such as random mood swings, hallucinations, and memory loss.
Can Acoustic Schwannoma Grow Back After Being Removed Or Cured?
An Acoustic Schwannoma that is already fully cured or removed does not usually grow back. In the rarest cases, it can grow back again, but the possibility is very poor.
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