Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic tumors are non-malignant fibrous growths, usually originating from the balance nerve, that do not spread to other parts of the body. They constitute six to ten percent of all brain tumors. Most of these tumors are found in only one ear, but occasionally both ears may be affected.

These growths are located deep inside the skull and are adjacent to vital brain centers. The first signs or symptoms usually are related to ear function and include ear noise, hearing loss, and imbalance or vertigo.

As the tumors enlarge, they involve other surrounding nerves having to do with more vital functions. Headaches may develop as a result of increased pressure on the brain. If allowed to continue over a long period of time, this pressure on the brain may ultimately be fatal.

Procedure
 The treatment objective is to preserve as many vital structures as possible, for example, the facial nerve. In order to meet this treatment objective, the University of Florida physicians at Shands at  UF use many diagnostic procedures to be as certain as possible of an accurate diagnosis.

A multidisciplinary team consisting of neurosurgeons, otologists (ear surgeons), radiation therapists, internists, anesthesiologists, audiologists, and therapists provide expertise and care. 

Prognosis
The patient with an acoustic tumor has a serious problem involving life and death. Preservation of life is the most important consideration in the treatment patients with these tumors.

For additional information

• The Acoustic Neuroma Association

The Shands at UF difference
Treatment of acoustic neuromas at Shands at University of Florida is provided by a multidisciplinary team of expert physicians, surgeons, physicists, therapists and support staff.  Drs. Friedman and Bova direct the stereotactic radiosurgical treatment.  Drs. Rhoton, Friedman, and Antonelli perform the microsurgical treatment.  Shands at the University of Florida also provides comprehensive rehabilitative services for commonly associated symptoms, such as vertigo or dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and facial muscle weakness.

The multidisciplinary team

Patrick J. Antonelli, M.D., FACS UF College of Medicine associate professor in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Dr. Antonelli is recognized for his expertise as an otologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of acoustic neuromas. He has been affiliated with Shands at UF since 1994. In that time, he has treated hundreds of patients with acoustic neuromas and written numerous articles on the topic. His research interests include the best diagnostic techniques for acoustic neuroma and the non-surgical management of acoustic neuroma. Antonelli completed his residency at the University of Minnesota in otolaryngology and a fellowship at the Michigan Ear Institute. He is board certified in otolaryngology.	biography Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Florida
William A. Friedman, M.D. UF College of Medicine chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, A.L. Rhoton Professor of Neurosurgery Dr. William Alan Friedman is recognized for his extensive experience in stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of acoustic neuromas. He is the leader of a multidisciplinary radiosurgery team which has treated over 1400 patients, published more than 80 papers and chapters, produced many international meetings and educated hundreds of visiting physicians. This team is engaged in many ongoing research projects and has recently moved to the new radiosurgery/radiobiology laboratory in the UF Brain Institute. Friedman completed his residency training in neurosurgery at UF and has been on the medical staff at Shands at UF since 1982. He is a member of numerous professional organizations. Most notably, he is a past-President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and is past President of the Florida Neurosurgical Society. He is President of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society.	biography Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida Radiosurgery at the University of Florida
Albert L. Rhoton, Jr., M.D. Dr. Albert L. Rhoton, Jr. is a world renowned expert in the identification and treatment of acoustic neuromas. In his 32 years at Shands at UF, he has operated on hundreds of patients with this tumor. He has published more than 200 scientific papers and written extensively about the microsurgery of acoustic neuromas. He has been listed in numerous publications as being among the best neurosurgeons in the nation. Rhoton attended Washington University Medical School with the highest academic standing in the class of 1959, and he completed his neurosurgical training at Washington University.	biography Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida

 

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