An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing, benign, noncancerous tumor that grows on a nerve within the inner ear. This nerve influences a person’s balance and hearing, and pressure from a growing tumor can cause hearing loss over time. Because neuromas progress slowly or not at all, some individuals may not know they have a neuroma until a routine auditory check-up.
Continued Monitoring
When a patient is diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma that causes little to no hearing loss, a physician is likely to recommend long-term observation of the mass. This approach is intentionally noninvasive, as the neuroma may not grow at all. A medical team can use imaging techniques to observe any potential tumor growth, and any changes in size are recorded. Some neuromas do not grow, and others grow so slowly that they do not cause problems over an individual’s lifetime.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a highly effective option for many people. Auditory specialists use focused radiation beams to target the neuroma, and the tumor slowly stops growing. While the radiation administered may be a large dose, the specialists who use this method target only the tumor cells. A computer-guided delivery system is used to target only the neuroma and preserve the surrounding tissue. This leaves any other tissue healthy and functional while reducing the size or effect of the neuroma.
Individuals who qualify for this kind of treatment typically receive treatment during an outpatient procedure at a specialized medical facility. This method reduces the tumor cells’ ability to reproduce, so the mass slowly shrinks over several rounds of treatment. Because this can take time, patients usually attend regular follow-up imaging appointments to monitor any changes that occur within the mass and that the surrounding tissue stays healthy.
Surgical Removal
While monitoring or radiation suits some individuals, other cases may require surgical intervention as the primary treatment plan. Trained surgeons can remove the neuroma from the nerves, and this treatment can excise the tumor entirely. Many patients who are eligible for this method may observe improvements in hearing and balance after the procedure.
A surgical team evaluates individuals to find the exact location of the mass, and they assess any symptoms and risk factors for surgery. Assessments like these help doctors understand whether a patient is eligible for surgery. Some patients of advanced age or with other advanced medical conditions may not be considered for surgery. Because these masses can grow near other nerves, some surgeons may perform the surgery and only remove part of the mass in order to protect nearby nerves.
After the surgery, a patient may be required to stay in the hospital for more monitoring. Nurses can observe any changes, and physical therapists may visit recovering patients to begin planning exercises for rehabilitation. As the patient regains strength and balance, doctors monitor and record positive changes.
Learn More About Acoustic Neuroma Treatment
If you have experienced hearing loss or a noticeable difference in your ability to balance, you may have an auditory neuroma. An auditory clinic can help you determine the reason for these symptoms, and if a neuroma is the cause, they can develop a proper treatment plan. Consult with an audiologist to learn more about acoustic neuromas and what your treatment options may be.
