Cancer Treatment Center Serving Pasadena & Los Angeles
At Pasadena CyberKnife, our mission is to provide world-class radiation therapy and cancer treatment to patients throughout Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area. Our treatment team of radiation oncologists and cancer doctors features some of the brightest minds in the industry, and we proudly treat virtually any form of cancer at our center. We can even use radiation therapy to treat some noncancerous conditions – including acoustic neuroma.
What Is Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma, also called vestibular schwannoma, is a condition in which a tumor forms on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. In almost all cases, acoustic neuromas are benign, or noncancerous. This means they won’t grow or spread aggressively like a cancerous tumor will. In fact, in many cases acoustic neuromas grow slowly or not at all. However, even slow-growing acoustic neuromas can cause problems, and some will grow relatively fast.
Regardless, if left untreated long enough, acoustic neuromas can begin to put pressure on the auditory nerve, causing problems with hearing and balance. Eventually, the tumor can grow large enough that it extends beyond the cavity that houses the auditory nerve and begins pushing on the brain. This can cause a host of problems and may threaten vital functions.
How Is Acoustic Neuroma Treated?
Most acoustic neuromas are relatively easy to treat, and we can often use noninvasive methods like CyberKnife to do so. CyberKnife is a nonsurgical, noninvasive radiation therapy system that uses precise, high-energy radiation to attack tumor cells and eliminate the tumor. Thanks to its sub-millimeter accuracy and advanced imaging systems, CyberKnife can destroy tumors without damaging surrounding cells, making it ideal for acoustic neuroma treatment.
Even if CyberKnife is not an option, surgery for acoustic neuroma is normally an effective and convenient procedure. We can often perform the surgery laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive procedure that limits scarring. We may decide to remove the entire tumor, almost all of the tumor, or a portion of the tumor, depending on the placement, size, and location of the tumor on the nerve.
Contact Your Pasadena Radiation Therapy Clinic
While acoustic neuromas usually grow slowly, they’re still a dangerous condition that requires prompt treatment. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, Pasadena CyberKnife is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and to schedule a consultation or second opinion with us. We look forward to creating a comprehensive treatment plan and helping you preserve your hearing, balance, and health for years to come.