If you are newly diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, we know you have questions. The symptoms and side effects of the condition can be challenging, and we have the answers you are looking for.

Although vestibular schwannomas are non-cancerous tumors, they may cause more severe problems as they grow and push on the brain and other nearby nerves and blood vessels, so it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Vestibular schwannomas are rare, but the physicians at Alliance Cancer Care have experience treating them with state-of-the-art radiation therapy. Let us help you start your journey to relief today.

Vestibular schwannoma is a non-cancerous and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main (vestibular) nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. Vestibular schwannomas most commonly arise from Schwann cells, which produce insulation for the vestibular nerve. Therefore, these tumors are often called or known as vestibular schwannomas.

Vestibular schwannomas do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The brain is not invaded by the vestibular tumor, but the tumor pushes on the brain as it enlarges. In most cases, these tumors grow slowly over a period of years, but sometimes the rate of growth is more rapid.

Typical symptoms include hearing loss or deafness, pressure in the inner ear, impaired sense of balance and ability to walk, as well as vertigo with associated nausea and vomiting. Many patients report tinnitus, or ringing in the ear. Vestibular schwannomas can also affect the facial area, but are usually discovered before they cause facial symptoms. However, if they are large or impact one of the facial nerves, they can cause numbness, tingling, or even paralysis.