Whether you are still considering acoustic neuroma surgery or already have your treatment scheduled, an easy way to help set your mind at ease is to develop a better understanding of your condition, the procedure and what you can expect regarding treatment outcomes.
About Acoustic Neuromas
Your acoustic neuroma is a brain tumor that has developed from a very unique nerve in your body, known as the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting information related to hearing and balance back and forth from the brain. That can also help explain some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and balance issues.
Acoustic neuromas are benign (not cancerous) tumors and they do not spread through the body as some cancers do. However, these tumors have the potential to grow large and in locations that lead to permanent hearing loss or even cognitive defects should the tumor put enough pressure on the brain. This is one reason why your Acoustic neuromas doctor has recommended you undergo surgery, which will help prevent further damage.
About Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
Not every patient will be a candidate for acoustic neuroma surgery. Sometimes a doctor will recommend observation and monitoring if the acoustic neuroma is very small or causing few symptoms. Other patients may be treated with a specialized form of radiation therapy, known as stereotactic radiosurgery. However, sometimes surgery is the preferred treatment option, either alone or followed by radiation therapy.
Acoustic neuroma surgery is performed in a hospital setting and you will be under general anesthesia to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. During the procedure, the surgeon will perform a craniotomy, removing a small section of skull to provide access to your tumor. He or she will carefully remove as much of the tumor as possible and may be limited to removing just a portion because of the delicate nature of the area. Once the tumor is removed, the portion of your skull will be replaced and the incision is closed using sutures or staples.
Following your procedure, you will be closely monitored, first in the post-operative room and then, in your recovery room. Though the procedure itself only takes five to six hours, you can expect to spend a few days in the hospital as your doctors oversee your recovery, monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and nerve activity.
General Success Rates
Though every patient’s outcome following acoustic neuroma surgery depends on individual factors, such as health condition and age, it is possible to make generalizations based on results from previous patients’ experiences.
In one study of almost 2,000 patients, 20% of patients did not undergo treatment immediately and were instead monitored closely for tumor growth. Of those patients, approximately 15% ultimately required acoustic neuroma treatment. In the same study, 61% of patients underwent surgery, and 20% received radiation therapy. For patients who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery, tumor growth control (shrinkage or absence of growth) is achieved in 95-100% of cases.
Generally speaking, success rates may be higher in some patients than others. That is, they may experience greater relief from symptoms and require less or no retreatment. This is more often seen in patients who are younger, have smaller tumors and/or fewer complicating health conditions.
However, your doctor has taken all factors relating to you as an individual into consideration, and if he or she has recommended acoustic neuroma surgery, it is because he or she has determined the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks and your surgery is anticipated to have a positive treatment outcome.
Success Rates for Acoustic Neuroma Surgery in the Tristate Area
When evaluating the success of acoustic neuroma surgery, you should consider the frequency of negative side effects. A known risk of acoustic neuroma surgery is damage to the facial nerve, an important nerve of the head and neck, which is responsible for the control of some facial muscles and your sense of taste, among other functions.
If you find this concerning, you may be interested to know that a study published in The Journal of Neurosurgery evaluated the outcomes of nearly 400 acoustic neuroma patients of a New Jersey neurosurgeon using minimally invasive microsurgical techniques to remove either all or part of acoustic neuroma tumors. In over 96 percent of these cases, facial nerve preservation was rated as excellent and only 13 percent of patients required retreatment using stereotactic radiosurgery, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
The Right Treatment for You
Not every acoustic neuroma patient will require surgery, but if your doctor has recommended it as the right treatment for you, it is because he or she believes it carries the most positive potential treatment outcome in your individual case. Part of a doctor’s job during the treatment planning process is to take into consideration any potential risks versus benefits, only recommending a procedure if it makes sense for you and your condition.
Should you find that you still have questions regarding the acoustic neuroma procedure itself, why your doctor has made the recommendations he or she has, any potential risks or anything else that may be on your mind, take a minute to write them down now. Bring them up at your next appointment using the information you’ve learned here to help you have a more detailed conversation regarding your treatment options. This better understanding will help contribute to your peace of mind, letting you focus on healing and your path to recovery.
