SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Hearing loss, ringing in your ear, unexplained dizziness – many people might think it’s just the typical signs of aging – but for some, these are a signs of a tumor. They’re called acoustic neuromas, and although rare, they can be life-changing, even life-threatening.
Julie Sifford and her daughter Eliza do just about everything together. But when Julie started feeling lightheaded and dizzy, it became more difficult to do just about anything.
“I’d had some tinnitus, the ringing in my ear, that really started increasing over time. I’d had some hearing loss and in my left ear and just assumed it was normal aging,” Julie recalls.
An MRI revealed an acoustic neuroma – a small, non-cancerous tumor, the size of a raisin, pressing on the main nerve connecting Julie’s ear to her brain.
“It’s like the covering of the wire that’s just growing out of control, and it damages hearing. It can get big enough to compress the brainstem,” explains Rick Friedman, MD, PhD, Neurotologist, Professor & Director of the UC San Diego Health Acoustic Neuroma Program.
Dr. Friedman and neurosurgeon Mark Schwartz specialize in removing these tumors. The key is to remove the tumor – preserve the hearing while not damaging any facial nerves.
Julie says with relief, “I knew, immediately, that I had preserved my hearing.”
Although she will not regain any hearing she’s already lost, Julie feels fortunate that it won’t get any worse. Her balance is improving, and she’s ready for the next soccer season to begin.
Acoustic neuromas are caused by the overproduction of Schwann cells in the nervous system. Depending on the size of the tumor, patients have three options – wait and watch to see if the tumor grows, radiation, and surgery. Surgery is the only option that will guarantee no more hearing will be lost.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
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MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
RESEARCH SUMMAR
TOPIC: SILENT INTRUSION: ACOUSTIC NEUROMAS & HEARING LOSS
REPORT: MB #5323
BACKGROUND: Acoustic neuromas, also known as vestibular schwannomas, are noncancerous tumors that develop on the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. These tumors usually grow slowly and originate from the Schwann cells, which are responsible for the formation of the protective sheath around nerves. Acoustic neuromas affect about 10 people in one million and affect more women than men. The exact cause of acoustic neuromas is not well understood. However, most cases are believed to result from a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. The NF2 gene normally suppresses the growth of Schwann cells, but when it is defective, tumors can develop.
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/vestibular-schwannoma-acoustic-neuroma-and-neurofibromatosis
DIAGNOSING: The symptoms of an acoustic neuroma can vary, and some individuals may not experience any noticeable signs. Common symptoms can include hearing loss, balance issues, facial weakness or numbness, and headaches. Diagnosing an acoustic neuroma usually involves a medical review history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. Surgery is a common treatment option for acoustic neuromas large ones specifically. The outcome of surgery will depend on the size of the adherence of the tumor, the use of cranial nerve monitoring, and the skill of the surgical team.
NEW TECHNOLOGY: A study out of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota evaluated whether the administration of aspirin could delay or slow down tumor growth and maintain hearing ability in patients suffering from vestibular schwannoma. The study consisted of four phases. During phases one and two, the researchers assessed safety, side effects, and optimal dosage side effects/risk benefits. Phase three consisted of the research team determining and studying whether the treatment worked better than the current therapy procedures. Phase four trials looked at long-term safety and effectiveness after a new treatment.
(Source: https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20469363
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Leslie Aquinde
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Marjorie Bekaert Thomas at mthomas@ivanhoe.com
