What kind of tumor causes hearing loss

Scientists believe that this particular gene on chromosome 22 produces a protein that controls the growth of Schwann cells.

When this gene malfunctions, Schwann cell growth is uncontrolled, resulting in a tumor. Scientists also think that this gene may help control the growth of other types of tumors. In NF2 patients, the faulty gene on chromosome 22 is inherited. For individuals with unilateral vestibular schwannoma, however, some scientists hypothesize that this gene somehow loses its ability to function properly.

Scientists continue studying the molecular pathways that control normal Schwann cell development to better identify gene mutations that result in vestibular schwannomas. Scientists are working to better understand how the gene works so they can begin to develop new therapies to control the overproduction of Schwann cells in individuals with vestibular schwannoma.

Learning more about the way genes help control Schwann cell growth may help prevent other brain tumors. In addition, scientists are developing robotic technology to assist physicians with acoustic neuroma surgery.

The NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that provide information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. Use the following keywords to help you find organizations that can answer questions and provide information on on vestibular schwannomas and neurofibromatosis:. Breadcrumb Home Health Information. Vestibular Schwannoma Acoustic Neuroma and Neurofibromatosis. On this page: What is a vestibular schwannoma acoustic neuroma?

How is a vestibular schwannoma diagnosed? How is a vestibular schwannoma treated? What is the difference between unilateral and bilateral vestibular schwannomas? What is being done about vestibular schwannoma? Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. The inner ear Early symptoms of acoustic neuroma Advanced symptoms of acoustic neuroma Untreated acoustic neuroma can be fatal Diagnosis of acoustic neuroma Treatment for acoustic neuroma Where to get help Things to remember.

An acoustic neuroma is a benign, slow-growing tumour that originates in the canal connecting the brain to the inner ear. An acoustic neuroma begins in the cells that line one of the two nerves that make up the eighth cranial nerve.

Eventually, larger tumours may involve other structures, including the brain stem. Bilateral on both sides acoustic neuromas can occur in a hereditary disease called neurofibromatosis 2. In its earlier stages, an acoustic neuroma can present similar symptoms to other, less serious conditions.

This may delay diagnosis and treatment. More than Australians are diagnosed with acoustic neuroma every year. Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumour and radiotherapy.

The inner ear The inner ear is an organ of hearing and balance. Sound waves vibrate the eardrum located in the middle ear. Three tiny bones the incus, malleus and stapes on the other side of the eardrum pick up the vibration and deliver it to a small organ called the cochlea, located in the inner ear. The vibration is translated into electrical impulses and passed onto the brain via the cochlear nerve.

The sense organ of balance is also located inside the inner ear. A series of fluid-filled canals, set at different angles, help the brain to pinpoint movement.

As the head is moved, the fluid rolls around inside the canals and is monitored by tiny hairs. Early symptoms of acoustic neuroma No one knows what causes the Schwann cells of the eighth cranial nerve to multiply. Acoustic neuroma can be mistaken for a variety of harmless disorders.

The early symptoms of an acoustic neuroma may include: impaired hearing in the affected ear a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, known as tinnitus difficulties with balance in some cases, facial numbness a sensation of fullness or blocking in the affected ear.

Advanced symptoms of acoustic neuroma Symptoms of advanced acoustic neuroma can include: headache pain in the face facial numbness facial twitches visual disturbances, such as double vision difficulties swallowing eventual death as the functioning of the brain stem is impaired. You'll probably continue having regular MRI scans after any treatment to check if the tumour is growing again or coming back.

If your doctor thinks there could be a genetic cause for your acoustic neuroma, you may be invited to take part in the , Genomes Project. The aim is to create a new personalised medicine service for the NHS. This should transform the way people are cared for. Find out if you might be able to take part. Page last reviewed: 19 February Next review due: 19 February Acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma. Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma An acoustic neuroma may not cause any obvious symptoms at first.

Any symptoms tend to develop gradually and often include: hearing loss that usually only affects 1 ear hearing sounds that come from inside the body tinnitus the sensation that you're moving or spinning vertigo A large acoustic neuroma can also sometimes cause: persistent headaches temporary blurred or double vision numbness, pain or weakness on 1 side of the face problems with limb co-ordination ataxia on 1 side of the body a hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing Getting medical advice See your GP if you have persistent or troublesome symptoms that you're worried could be caused by an acoustic neuroma.

If your GP thinks you could have an acoustic neuroma, you'll be referred to a hospital or clinic for further tests, such as: hearing tests to check for hearing problems and determine whether they're caused by a problem with your nerves an MRI scan , which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed picture of the inside of your head a CT scan , which uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed image of the inside of your head Treatments for acoustic neuromas There are several different treatment options for an acoustic neuroma, depending on the size and position of your tumour, how fast it's growing and your general health.

The main options are: monitoring the tumour — small tumours often just need to be monitored with regular MRI scans, and the treatments below are generally only recommended if scans show it's getting bigger brain surgery — surgery to remove the tumour through a cut in the skull may be carried out under general anaesthetic if it's large or getting bigger stereotactic radiosurgery — small tumours, or any pieces of a larger tumour that remain after surgery, may be treated with a precise beam of radiation to stop them getting any bigger All these options carry some risks.

Speak to your specialist about the best option for you and what the benefits and risks are.