Acoustic neuroma. Assessment and management.

ABSTRACT

Acoustic neuroma results from abnormal proliferation of Schwann cells. These tumors originate in the region of Scarpa's ganglion at the junction of peripheral and central myelin of the vestibular nerve located in the internal auditory canal (IAC). The bony confine of the IAC houses the VII and the VIII cranial nerves. The presence of tumor mass compresses these structures. The growing tumor mass may also prolapses into the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). With continued growth, the tumor eventually compresses on the brain stem and cerebellum. Despite the benign nature of these tumors, the clinical course of this disease may be fraught with complications.