Occurring primarily in adults, these are benign tumors that start in the cells that produce the protective covering, called myelin, of the acoustic nerve, which is responsible for hearing. Twice as many women as men develop schwannomas. Approximately 17,500 Americans are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year. At present, there is no known way to prevent or reduce the risk of this type of cancer. There are, however, some factors that appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing a brain tumor, although these have not been shown to cause the disease.
Brain tumors can occur at any age.
However, they most commonly occur in adults 40 to 70 years old, and children between the ages of three and 12 years. However, as with most all types of cancer, an early diagnosis improves the odds that treatment will be more effective. Patients usually develop symptoms that suggest the possibility of a brain tumor. Other tests, including angiograms and X-rays, may also be used in diagnosis. Symptoms vary based on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's age.