Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis and Treatment

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At Relentcare ENT Centre in Thrissur, we provide comprehensive care for acoustic neuromas, a noncancerous tumor that can affect hearing and balance. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans help ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

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Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuroma

1. Hearing Test (Audiometry)
   Our audiologists conduct audiometry to assess hearing loss. During the test, sounds are presented to one ear at a time at various tones, and you indicate each time a sound is heard. This process helps determine the faintest level of sound you can detect. Additionally, word recognition tests may be used to evaluate your hearing more thoroughly.

2. Imaging Tests
   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast dye is the preferred method for diagnosing acoustic neuromas, as it can detect tumors as small as 1 to 2 millimeters. If MRI is unavailable or unsuitable, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be performed, though it may not detect smaller tumors.

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Treatment Options for Acoustic Neuroma

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Your treatment will depend on the tumor's size, growth rate, symptoms, and your overall health. We offer three main approaches:

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1. Monitoring
   If the acoustic neuroma is small, not growing, or causes minimal symptoms, monitoring may be recommended. This approach involves regular imaging and hearing tests every 6 to 12 months to track the tumor's status. If growth or worsening symptoms occur, more active treatment may be needed.

2. Surgery
   Surgical removal may be necessary if the tumor is large, growing, or causing significant symptoms. Various techniques can be used based on the tumor's size and location. The goal is to remove the tumor while preserving the facial nerve to prevent facial paralysis. In some cases, only part of the tumor may be removed if it is near critical structures.

   Potential Risks of Surgery Include:

   • Hearing loss on the affected side

   • Balance issues, usually temporary

   • Facial weakness or numbness

   • Persistent headache

   • Rare complications like cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, stroke, or brain bleeding

3. Radiation Therapy
   Several types of radiation therapy are used to treat acoustic neuromas:

   • Stereotactic Radiosurgery
     Techniques like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife deliver highly targeted radiation doses to the tumor without an incision. It aims to stop the tumor's growth while preserving facial nerve function and potentially hearing. Follow-up imaging is needed to monitor progress.

   • Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)
     SRT delivers smaller doses of radiation over multiple sessions to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

   • Proton Beam Therapy
     Uses high-energy protons to target the tumor precisely, reducing radiation exposure to nearby areas.

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Supportive Therapies

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In addition to treating the tumor, supportive therapies such as balance rehabilitation, physical therapy, and hearing aids may help manage symptoms like dizziness or hearing loss.

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Preparing for Your Appointment

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To make the most of your visit:

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• Write down all symptoms, even those not seemingly related.

• List any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.

• Bring a friend or family member to help remember the information provided.

• Prepare a list of questions, such as:

  • What is causing my symptoms?

  • What tests are needed?

  • What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend?

  • What are the potential side effects of each option?

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We are here to help you through every step, from diagnosis to treatment and supportive care, to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.