How can I shrink my acoustic neuroma?

Using the Gamma Knife system, the neurosurgeon can target your acoustic neuroma precisely, shrinking and destroying the tumor while sparing nearby structures. This procedure reduces the risk of permanent hearing damage or other risks that are associated with surgery.

Has anyone died acoustic neuroma?

There is overall a 0.5 percent incidence of death due to acoustic neuroma surgery. The elderly (> 65) have 13.18 times as much mortality as the non-elderly (Sylvester et al, 2017) .

What is the most common treatment for acoustic neuroma?

Surgery to remove the tumor. This is a highly effective treatment for acoustic neuromas. Hearing loss that has already occurred from the tumor cannot be reversed, but the remaining hearing can be preserved in some cases. Surgical tumor removal can often address balance problems, facial numbness and other symptoms.

How much does acoustic neuroma surgery cost?

For surgery patients, we estimated a total cost of $82,250, with approximately $80,000 for surgery (from our actual cost data) and $750 per year for 3 years of follow-up. Therefore, the estimated costs are not restricted to the index hospitalization during which the surgery occurred, but rather the entire care.

How do you stop acoustic neuroma from growing?

Dr. Zwagerman: There are two standard modalities: radiation therapy, which stops tumor growth in 90% of patients, and surgery, which removes the lesion. Observation alone can also be an option for certain patients.

What is the survival rate for acoustic neuroma?

Introduction: Optimal acoustic neuroma (AN) management involves choosing between three treatment modalities: microsurgical excision, radiation, or observation with serial imaging. The reported in-hospital mortality rate of surgery for AN in the United States is 0.5%.

Can you live with an acoustic neuroma?

The patient may choose to live with the acoustic neuroma as long as it is not a life-threatening condition rather than risk further hearing loss that can potentially occur from therapy. If an acoustic neuroma eventually causes symptoms, then radiation therapy or microsurgery may be necessary.

Should I worry about acoustic neuroma?

When to see your doctor See your doctor if you notice hearing loss in one ear, ringing in your ear or trouble with your balance. Early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma may help keep the tumor from growing large enough to cause serious consequences, such as total hearing loss.

What does acoustic neuroma mean?

Acoustic neuroma. Print. Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor that develops on the balance (vestibular) and hearing, or auditory (cochlear) nerves leading from your inner ear to the brain, as shown in the top image.

How fast does acoustic neuroma grow?

Rarely, it may grow rapidly and become large enough to press against the brain and interfere with vital functions. Treatments for acoustic neuroma include regular monitoring, radiation and surgical removal. Signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma are often subtle and may take many years to develop.

What percentage of acoustic neuromas are neurofibromatosis type 2?

But neurofibromatosis type 2 only accounts for about 5 percent of acoustic neuroma cases. A hallmark characteristic of neurofibromatosis type 2 is the development of noncancerous tumors on the balance nerves on both sides of your head, as well as on other nerves.