A small acoustic tumor is still confined within the bony canal that extends from the inner ear to the brain. Through this canal pass the hearing, balance and facial nerves and the blood vessels which supply the inner ear. The operation for removal of a small tumor is performed under general anesthesia using the operating microscope. The tumor is totally removed in most cases. On rare occasions only partial removal can be accomplished.
Every effort is made to preserve the hearing and still remove the tumor.
A medium sized acoustic tumor is one which has extended from the bony canal into the brain cavity but has not yet produced pressure on the brain itself. The operation for a medium sized tumor is performed under general anesthesia using an operating microscope. The mastoid and the inner ear structures are removed to expose the tumor. The tumor is then removed totally. Occasionally only partial removal is accomplished.