Cancer Treatment Center in Los Angeles, CA
At Pasadena CyberKnife, we believe that no matter how serious the condition or how dire the outlook, there’s always hope. As a premier cancer treatment center serving the greater Los Angeles area, we’re proud to provide a wide variety of world-class cancer treatments to patients battling any form of cancer. In addition to cancerous tumors, we can also treat certain noncancerous conditions, including acoustic neuroma.
Types & Stages of Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic neuroma isn’t actually a form of cancer – while it is a tumor, it’s what’s known as a benign, or noncancerous tumor. This means that the tumor won’t grow or spread as aggressively as a cancerous tumor – but even though they aren’t cancerous, acoustic neuromas can pose serious threats if not treated properly. Left alone without treatment, acoustic neuromas can threaten hearing, balance, and eventually can even pose a risk to vital life functions.
While noncancerous, acoustic neuromas are still evaluated using a four-stage system similar to that used for cancers. The staging for acoustic neuromas runs as follows:
- Stage I: The tumor is less than 10mm across, but even at this stage, hearing loss or tinnitus may begin.
- Stage II: The tumor is 10 to 20mm across. At this stage, the tumor is emerging from the auditory canal into the brain cavity, but it has yet to put pressure on the brain.
- Stage III: The tumor is between 20 and 35mm across. The tumor may be in contact with the brain at this point, but is not yet putting pressure on it. However, at this size, the tumor may compress other facial nerves like the trigeminal nerve, which can cause a host of problems.
- Stage IV: The tumor is larger than 35mm across and has started to put pressure on the brain, cerebellum, or brain stem. This pressure can threaten vital functions and may cause symptoms as severe as coma or even death.
Contact Your Los Angeles CyberKnife Experts
Acoustic neuroma can be an extremely serious condition if left untreated – but thankfully, most acoustic neuromas grow slowly and can often be treated with a noninvasive solution like CyberKnife. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, contact us today to schedule a consultation for treatment. We’ll create a comprehensive treatment plan that eliminates your tumor, restores vital function, and protects you from future symptoms and damage.