Retrolabyrinthine syndromes of tumoral etiology – acoustic neuroma

Abstract

Among retrolabyrinthine syndromes of tumoral etiology, acoustic neuroma ranks the most important place, being a benign tumor, but with malignant evolution. It is more common in women and occurs predominantly in the age range 20-60 years old. It is usually unilateral and only about 4% of cases are bilateral. Portmann et al, quoting Nager, say that certain peculiarities of the cranial nerve development explain the intracanalicular location of the neuroma at the beginning. Being a tumor with a very serious prognosis, acoustic neuroma needs to be diagnosed in very early stages, when it can be surgically removed.