Acoustic Neuroma

Auditory Tumor; Neuroma, Acoustic; Vestibular Schwannoma and Neurofibromatosis

Acoustic neuroma (or Vestibular Schwannoma) is a benign primary intracranial tumor of the myelin forming cells called "Schwann cells" (Schwannoma) of the 8th cranial nerve --- also known as the acoustic nerve, (or more properly the vestibulocochlear nerve). Approximately 3000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States with an incidence of about 1 in 100,000. Incidence peaks in the fifth and sixth decades and both sexes are affected equally. Pathogenesis Acoustic neuromas may occ ...