Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)

The most common benign tumor of the cerebellopontine angle

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 12, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)?

Vestibular schwannoma (formerly known as acoustic neuroma) is a benign tumor that grows from the internal acoustic canal toward the cerebellopontine angle. Due to its slow course, diagnosis is often made in adulthood.

Unilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorder are typical symptoms. In advanced cases, trigeminal and facial nerve involvement may be observed.

MRI is the gold standard diagnostic method; treatment options include observation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and microsurgical excision.

Symptoms

Unilateral progressive hearing loss

Asymmetric tinnitus

Balance disorder

Decreased facial sensation

Headache

Facial weakness in advanced stage

Risk Factors

Neurofibromatosis type 2

Childhood radiotherapy

Familial schwannoma

Advanced age

Unknown genetic factors

Unilateral audiologic asymmetry

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss
Unilateral tinnitus
Imbalance and falls
Trigeminal hypoesthesia
Onset of facial paralysis

Treatment Methods

Diagnosis with contrast-enhanced MRI

Observation (in small tumors)

Stereotactic radiosurgery (gamma knife)

Microsurgical retrosigmoid/translabyrinthine approach

Intraoperative nerve monitoring

Rehabilitation and audiologic follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)

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Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a benign tumor arising from Schwann cells of the vestibular portion of cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear), accounting for 6-8% of intracranial tumors and 80-90% of cerebellopontine angle tumors, typically unilateral except in neurofibromatosis type 2 (bilateral pathognomonic), presenting with progressive sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disturbances, and trigeminal/facial nerve symptoms with larger tumors, with management options including observation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and microsurgical resection.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.