Is acoustic neuroma considered a brain tumor?
Yes. An acoustic neuroma is considered a tumor when it is larger than the size of your skull and has a high probability of survival. Tumors with a higher percentage of survival are classified as mesothelial tumors.
When it comes to selecting a treatment, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of each option. Being fully counselled with regards to each option will help your decision to undergo treatment.
Acoustic neuromas can be difficult tumors to remove surgically. Patients with acoustic neuromas should be referred to neurosurgeons with particular expertise in surgery for this tumor type.
Obvious weakness and/or numbness may occur at the site of the tumor on both sides of the head. This may include the affected side behind the ear.
Sometimes, an acoustic neuroma presses against nearby nerves or structures causing headaches, chest pain, or weakness on one side of the face. This may include the affected arm or leg.
Sometimes, an acoustic neuroma presses against nearby blood vessels or other structures causing headaches, dizziness or imbalance problems on the affected side. This may include the affected shoulder.
Eye problems may occur if an acoustic neuroma presses against the cornea. This may include the affected side behind the ear.
Sometimes, an acoustic neuroma presses on nearby nerves affecting the face, causing facial numbness or paralysis on the affected side. This may include the affected shoulder.
Eye problems may also occur if an acoustic neuroma presses on nearby nerves affecting the face, causing facial weakness or paralysis on the affected side. This may include the affected eye.
Complications of an acoustic neuroma may include headache, retinal hemorrhage, and/or meningitis. Headaches may occur before noticeable changes in symptoms occur on the affected side.
Eye problems may occur if an acoustic neuroma presses on nearby nerves affecting the face, causing facial weakness or paralysis on the affected side. This may include the affected eye.
Complications of an acoustic neuroma may include double vision (diplopia), hydrocephalus, and/or an acoustic neuroma suboccipital mass. Headache, obstruction of fluid that surrounds the brain, and/or decreased eye movement can also occur.
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