Acoustic Neuroma Health Article

Prognosis

The prognosis for someone with a unilateral acoustic neuroma is usually quite good provided the tumor is diagnosed early and appropriate treatment is instituted. Long-term hearing loss and tinnitis in the affected ear are common, even if appropriate treatment is provided. Regrowth of the tumor is also a possibility following surgery or radiation therapy and repeat treatment may be necessary. The prognosis can be poorer for those with NF2 who have an increased risk of bilateral acoustic neuromas and other tumors.

Resources

BOOKS

Filipo, R., and Barbara Maurizio Acoustic neuroma: trends and controversies: proceedings of the Symposium Acoustic Neuroma: Trends and Controversies, Rome, Italy, November 13-15, 1997. The Hague, Netherlands: Kugler, 1999.

Malis, Leonard Acoustic Neuroma New York: Elsevier, 1998.

Roland, Peter, and Bradley Marple. Diagnosis and Management of Acoustic Neuroma (Sipac). Alexandria, VA: American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Survey Foundation, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Broad, R. W. "Management of Acoustic Neuroma." In New England Journal of Medicine. 340(14) (8 April 1999):1119.

Lederman G, E. Arbit, and J. Lowry. "Management of Acoustic Neuroma." New England Journal of Medicine. 340(14) (8 April 1999):1119-1120.

Levo H., I. Pyykko, and G. Blomstedt. "Non-surgical Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma Patients." Acta Oto-Laryngologica 529 (1997): 56-8.

O'Donoghue G.M., T. Nikolopoulos and J. Thomsen. "Management of Acoustic Neuroma." In New England Journal of Medicine 340(14) (8 April 1999):1120-1121.

Rigby, P. L., et al. "Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Outcome Analysis of Patient-Perceived Disability." In American Journal of Otology 18 (July 1997): 427-35.

van Roijen, L., et al. "Costs and Effects of Microsurgery versus Radiosurgery in Treating Acoustic Neuroma." In Acta Neurochirurgica 139 (1997): 942-48.

ORGANIZATIONS

Acoustic Neuroma Association. 600 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite108, Cumming, GA 30041-6899. Phone:(770) 205-8211. Fax: (770) 205-0239. ANAusa@aol.com <http://anausa.org> 28 June 2001.

Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada Box 369, Edmonton, AB T5J 2J6. 1-800-561-ANAC (2622). (780)428-3384. anac@compusmart.ab.ca. <http://www.anac.ca> 28 June 2001.

British Acoustic Neuroma Association. Oak House, Ransom Wood Business Park, Southwell Road West, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG21 0HJ. Tel: 01623 632143. Fax: 01623 635313. bana@btclick.com. <http://www.ukan.co.uk/bana> 28 June 2001.

Seattle Acoustic Neuroma Group. Emcityland@aol.com<http://acousticneuromaseattle.org/entryenglish.html> 28 June 2001.

OTHER

University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Information on Acoustic Neuromas <http://itsa.ucsf.edu/~rkj/IndexAN.html> (18 March 1998). 28 June 2001.

National Institute of Health Consensus Statement Online Acoustic Neuroma 9(4)(11-13 December 1991). 28 June 2001. <http://text.nlm.nih.gov/nih/cdc/www/87txt.html>

Lisa Andres, M.S., CGC

Benign tumor

—A localized overgrowth of cells that does not spread to other parts of the body.

Chromosome

—A microscopic structure, made of a complex of proteins and DNA, that is found within each cell of the body.

Cranial nerves

—The set of twelve nerves found on each side of the head and neck that control the sensory and muscle functions of a number of organs such as the eyes, nose, tongue face and throat.

Computed tomography (CT)

—An examination that uses a computer to compile and analyze the images produced by x rays projected at a particular part of the body.

DNA testing

—Testing for a change or changes in a gene or genes.

Gene

—A building block of inheritance, made up of a compound called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and containing the instructions for the production of a particular protein. Each gene is found on a specific location on a chromosome.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

—A test which uses an external magnetic field instead of x rays to visualize different tissues of the body.

Myelin sheath

—The cover that surrounds many nerve cells and helps to increase the speed by which information travels along the nerve.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)

—A hereditary condition associated with an increased risk of bilateral acoustic neuromas, other nerve cell tumors and cataracts.

Protein

—A substance produced by a gene that is involved in creating the traits of the human body such as hair and eye color or is involved in controlling the basic functions of the human body.

Schwannoma

—A tumor derived from the cells of the myelin sheath that surrounds many nerve cells.

Tinnitus

—A ringing sound or other noise in the ear.

Vertigo

—A feeling of spinning or whirling.

Vestibulocochlear nerve (Eighth cranial nerve)

— Nerve that transmits information, about hearing and balance from the ear to the brain.