Diagnostic Tests for Cranial Nerve Schwannomas

Treatments

Treatment for cranial nerve schwannoma varies depending on a tumor’s size and growth rate, as well as the patient’s hearing and balance, age, and general medical condition. You doctors will work with you on options to control the tumor and an restore your quality of life.

Options include:

• Monitoring – Some patients are monitored with repeated MRIs and hearing tests.  Some schwannomas have already stopped growing by the time they are discovered and do not require procedural intervention.
• Surgery – Surgery is often performed jointly with an otologist/neurotologist (ENT surgeon specializing in the ear and surrounding structures) and a neurosurgeon. Surgery involves the use of a high-powered microscope to enable the surgeon to dissect the tumor off delicate structures such as the facial nerve. Multiple surgical approaches can be used to reach the tumor. The recommended approach depends on the size and location of the tumor.
• Stereotactic Radiation – A computer-guided delivery system is used to deliver highly focused beams of x-ray radiation to the tumor, while minimizing effects to the surrounding tissue. While radiation does not remove the tumor, it can be effective in stopping the growth of a tumor.
• Combination of the above – In some cases, tumors that grow after radiation may later require surgery.  In other cases, tumor remnants after surgery can grow and be treated with radiation.
• In addition to addressing the tumor itself, treatment of cranial nerve schwannoma also involves managing the symptoms associated with the tumor and any effects of surgery or radiation.  This may include rehabilitation of any hearing loss and vestibular or balance therapy.