Acoustic schwannoma, also known as Vestibular schwannoma, is an uncommon cancerous tumour in the nerve connecting the inner ear with the brain. Acoustic schwannoma can lead to hearing loss and unbearable pain in the ear. It can be treated by surgical removal, radiation and regular monitoring by the neurosurgeon specialist.
People with Acoustic Schwannoma often experience the following symptoms or signs:
Losing hearing ability
Numbness in the face
Unsteadiness
Vertigo
Tinnitus in the ear
Causes
The cause of acoustic schwannoma is a malfunction of Chromosome 22(Gene). Chromosome 22 produces a protein that controls the development of Schwann cell.
Diagnosis
Acoustic schwannoma develops slowly so it may be difficult to detect the tumour at an early stage. Ythe doctor may conduct the following tests:
Hearing test
Imaging tests
Treatments
Stereotactic radiosurgery
The objective of stereotactic radiosurgery is to stop the growth of the tumour. A beam of radiation is directed towards the tumour for a small duration.
Surgical removal
The patient may need a surgery to remove an acoustic schwannoma. Depending on the size of the tumour the technique may vary. The tumour is removed through the ear or by making a window in the patient skull.
