An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a rare benign (non-cancerous) growth that develops on the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve runs from the inner ear to the brain and is responsible for hearing and balance. Hearing loss in one ear is the initial symptom in approximately 90 percent of affected individuals. Additional common findings include ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness or imbalance.
Although slow-growing, acoustic neuromas can eventually become large enough to press against neighboring cranial nerves, causing facial weakness, numbness or tingling, and swallowing difficulties. Treatment can include surgery to remove the tumor or a course of focused radiation.
At GenesisCare, I use a daily, 5-minute, non-invasive, painless, radiation treatment, called stereotactic radiosurgery with a customized immobilization mask, delivered over 5 sessions to precisely target the intracranial tumor.
If you have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or other benign nervous system tumor (such as a pituitary adenoma, meningioma, optic nerve glioma, etc.) or malignant tumors, and you are interested in learning more about radiation treatment, contact my office, GenesisCare, for a consultation:
Office (Kennewick, WA): 509-987-1800
https://www.genesiscare.com/us/our-doctors/dr-brian-d-lawenda/
Harvard-trained radiation oncologist and US News & World Report “Top Doctor,” Dr. Lawenda and his staff have extensive expertise in the application of a variety of radiation therapy technologies in the treatment of benign conditions and malignant tumors, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using volumetric arc radiation therapy (VMAT), stereotactic body radiation radiation therapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), brachytherapy and electron beam radiation therapy. He also serves as a regional referral provider for centers of excellence that offer proton beam therapy, Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. Dr. Lawenda works in close collaboration with local and regional surgeons, medical oncologists and other specialty care providers.
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