An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that grows on the nerve that runs from your inner ear to your brain. These slow-growing tumors can exist for years before you notice any symptoms. However, if they grow too large, they can be life-threatening.

Acoustic neuroma symptoms may get worse over years as the tumor grows. Symptoms may include:

• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Facial numbness
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in one ear
• Vertigo

Our physicians care for all types of brain and nerve tumors using the most advanced treatments. They develop personalized treatment plans for each patient to ensure you receive the right care for you.

Tests

Hearing Test
Hearing tests (audiometry) are used to determine how much hearing loss you have and if that loss becomes worse.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI is an imaging scan of your brain that uses no radiation but creates a highly detailed image of your brain.

Treatments

Medical Monitoring
Because acoustic neuromas are small and slow growing, your doctor may suggest you have imaging tests every six to 12 months. If the tumor grows too much, you may need treatment.

Surgery
If you have a large acoustic neuroma that is causing symptoms, a surgeon may be able to remove the tumor during surgery.

Gamma Knife^® Radiosurgery
During Gamma Knife^® radiosurgery, multiple weak beams of radiation are pointed at your tumor. Where all the beams meet, there is strong radiation. You may need only one radiosurgery treatment to destroy the neuroma.

Why Choose Us?

Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.

Groundbreaking brain tumor treatment. Experts from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and UHealth make up one of the largest and most complete teams for brain tumor treatment in the United States. Through multi-disciplinary cooperation, our team employs innovative procedures like awake craniotomies, Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, and many other techniques. We use the least invasive neurosurgical techniques on both adults and children, which reduces recovery time and makes a significant difference in your quality of life.

Dedicated brain tumor experts. Your care team consists of specialized physicians and researchers who are committed to brain tumor care. Your team may include neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists, and other physicians who focus solely on treating brain tumors. Their years of experience and expertise help you find the right treatment for you.

Innovative research that changes the future of brain tumor care. As the only academic medical center in the area, we are on the cutting edge of brain tumor treatment and research. As a patient at UHealth, you also have access to the innovative research and the latest in clinical trials. Our ongoing translational and clinical research has spawned promising treatments like the heat shock protein vaccine and targeted therapies designed for your specific type of brain tumor.

International leaders in brain tumor care. We play a vital role in the community, thanks to our groundbreaking research and patient care for people in Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We’re turning Miami into the healthcare capital of the Americas. We’re creating one of the premier brain tumor centers in the country.

Surgical expertise. We perform thousands of brain tumor surgeries every year and care for more brain tumors than any other health center in Florida. Our skilled neurosurgeons are consistently pioneering new treatments. From minimally invasive spine surgeries to awake craniotomies, we offer unique surgeries you cannot find anywhere else in the region.

Concierge service. Patients do not have to figure it all out alone at UHealth. Patients are assigned a concierge coordinator who is there for you and your family while you are in our care. They connect you with other providers you may need, walk you through the surgery process, and can answer any questions you or your family may have.