Acoustic neuroma (AKN) (synonym: vestibular schwannoma, VS; ICD-10-GM D33.-: benign neoplasm of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system) refers to a benign (benign) tumor arising from the Schwann cells of the vestibular portion of the VIIIth cranial nerve. Cranial Nerve, the auditory and vestibular nerves (vestibulocochlear nerve, acustic nerve; octaval nerve), and is located in the internal auditory canal (intrameatal), or in the cerebellopontine angle (extrameatal) if more extensive.
Acoustic neuroma represents the most common tumor of the cerebellopontine angle.
More than 95% of all AKNs are unilateral. In contrast, in the presence of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), acoustic neuroma typically occurs bilaterally.
Sex ratio: Men and women are equally affected.
Frequency peak: The disease usually becomes apparent after the age of 30. The peak incidence is in the 5th and 6th decade of life.
The incidence (frequency of new cases) is approximately 1 disease per 100,000 population per year. Acoustic neuroma represents approximately 6% of all intracranial (located in the skull) tumors. 80-90% of all tumors at the base of the skull are acoustic neuromas.
Course and prognosis: Acoustic neuroma develops slowly to very slowly (decades) and usually causes few symptoms. The choice of therapy depends largely on tumor size and growth behavior, hearing impairment, age and general health of the patient. Furthermore, on whether there is a connection with neurofibromatosis. Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor, it grows only displacing and does not form metastases (daughter tumors). The prognosis is usually good.In older patients, observational waiting (so-called “watchful waiting”) is justified. In children and adolescents, immediate treatment is usually required.Annual tumor growth rates vary from 0.3 to 4.8 mm. Whether a patient will benefit from surgery depends on the individual course of the disease.Even after surgery, there is no certain prognosis for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo.
