Cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous, slow-growing tumor that develops on the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sound and maintaining balance. This nerve extends from the inner ear to the brainstem and resides within a specific region of the skull known as the cerebellopontine angle.
The tumor arises from a type of specialized cells called Schwann cells, which wrap around and support nerve fibers. When this tumor forms, it typically arises from the Schwann cells of the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve. As it grows, it exerts pressure on surrounding structures within the cerebellopontine angle, including nearby cranial nerves and the brainstem.
Symptoms of cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Common manifestations include progressive hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), unsteadiness, dizziness, and an altered sense of balance. In some cases, the tumor may compress adjacent cranial nerves, leading to facial weakness or numbness.
The exact cause of cerebellopontine angle acoustic neuroma remains unknown, although it is believed to be associated with a genetic predisposition and certain rare genetic disorders. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, audiometry tests, imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and additional confirmatory tests.
Treatment options range from observation for small tumors to surgical removal or radiation therapy for larger or symptomatic tumors. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, tumor size, and symptoms. Early detection and intervention generally lead to better prognoses and improved quality of life for individuals
