Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options
Overview
Treatment at Spokane CyberKnife for Acoustic Neuroma—Non-invasive, long term tumor control that preserves hearing and facial function
What is an Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuromas are noncancerous, typically slow-growing tumors that develop along the branches of the eighth cranial nerve, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve extends from the brain to the inner ear and divides into branches that play crucial roles in both hearing and balance.
Acoustic neuromas originate from Schwann cells, which wrap around and support nerve fibers, hence the name vestibular schwannoma. While schwannomas can occur on any cranial or peripheral nerve in the body, acoustic neuromas are the most common type found in the brain.
These tumors usually begin to grow at the point where the central nervous system transitions into the peripheral nervous system, known as the porus acusticus.
Spokane CyberKnife offers Non-Invasive Options
Radiosurgery, also known as stereotactic radiosurgery, is a noninvasive procedure that uses precisely focused, narrow beams of radiation to treat acoustic neuromas while minimizing the radiation exposure to surrounding structures, including the hearing, balance, and facial nerves. This form of radiation therapy can help reduce the growth of an acoustic neuroma. Radiosurgery may also be used in combination with surgery for large tumors that cannot be completely removed without risking permanent damage to the facial nerve or other structures.
CyberKnife vs. Gamma Knife for my Acoustic Neuroma?
Often time physicians might suggest Gamma Knife as a treatment option for acoustic neuromas, however research shows that CyberKnife unequivocally matches or beats the results of Gamma Knife when treating tumors in the brain. We encourage you to read more about the differences between CyberKnife and Gamma Knife by clicking here.
