If you have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, you may be feeling overwhelmed with questions about your treatment options. Two common approaches — Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and traditional surgery — offer distinct benefits, but which one is right for you? Navigating these options is a critical step and understanding their differences can help you make the most informed decision.
What is Acoustic Neuroma?
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops from cells surrounding the vestibulocochlear nerve, the cranial nerve related to hearing and balance. Many patients with acoustic neuromas experience symptoms that affect their balance or hearing such as vertigo or hearing loss. While acoustic neuromas typically affect one side of the body, bilateral acoustic neuromas are possible.
Acoustic neuromas are benign, but they can still grow and press on other structures, leading to symptoms and potential damage to surrounding areas. If your acoustic neuroma is very small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend carefully monitoring for any changes. However, when an acoustic neuroma is large enough to cause problems, your doctor will likely recommend treatment, such as surgery or Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
What is Gamma Knife Surgery for Acoustic Neuroma?
Although it sounds like a surgical procedure, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is an advanced non-invasive form of radiation therapy. During the procedure, your tumor will be treated with nearly 200 individual beams of low-dose radiation, targeting an area as precise as a single human hair. This procedure kills tumor cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is an outpatient procedure and does not require a hospital stay. There are no incisions, stitches or anesthesia — you will be awake throughout the procedure — and most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days.
When is Gamma Knife recommended?
Your doctor might recommend Gamma Knife Radiosurgery to treat your acoustic neuroma if:
- You prefer a minimally invasive treatment approach
- You are not a good surgical candidate due to other health conditions or age
- Your acoustic neuroma is in an area difficult to access with surgery
- Your acoustic neuroma is small but has shown growth on MRI
- Your acoustic neuroma is causing hearing loss
- Your doctor removed a large portion of your tumor via traditional surgery but you require follow-up therapy to shrink any remaining tumor cells
Side Effects of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is relatively safe but like any medical procedure, it comes with potential short-term side effects including:
- Vertigo or dizziness: This is not something everyone experiences, but it is possible.
- Tinnitus: Ringing in the ear (aka, tinnitus) is something many people with acoustic neuromas suffer from already. This can worsen after Gamma Knife in some people.
- Fatigue: Temporary tiredness is not uncommon in the first few days post-procedure
- Mild Nausea or Headaches: Manageable with over-the-counter medication
- Scalp Sensitivity: Areas where the head frame is stabilized may experience brief itching, pain, or swelling
These side effects are temporary and last only a couple of days after treatment. Long-term side effects are rare but may include mild, delayed swelling that impacts nerves or balance.
Traditional Surgery
Traditional surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma, also known as a craniectomy, involves making an incision in the skull to directly access the tumor. While this approach can be highly effective in fully removing tumors, it is a more invasive option and typically involves a longer recovery.
When is traditional surgery recommended?
Your doctor might recommend traditional surgery to treat your acoustic neuroma:
- To remove a large or complex tumor where Gamma Knife treatment alone might be insufficient
- When there is significant brainstem compression or life-threatening symptoms
Side Effects and Risks of Traditional Surgery
Traditional surgery, while effective in many cases, is an invasive procedure with longer recovery and greater risks. These can include:
- Hearing Loss: Partial or complete hearing loss in the treated ear
- Facial Nerve Issues: Temporary or permanent facial weakness, paralysis or numbness
- Cerebrospinal leak: Can happen if spinal fluid leaks out of the incision, ear or nose after surgery.
- Infection: Like any invasive procedure, infection is a low but possible complication of traditional surgery.
- Balance Problems: Patients often experience dizziness and balance issues early in the recovery process but typically improves over time
- Longer Recovery: Hospital stays following surgery typically range from several days to a week, followed by weeks or months of rest and physical therapy
Why Choose The Valley Gamma Knife Center?
Choosing a treatment center is just as important as selecting the right treatment option for your acoustic neuroma. The Valley Gamma Knife Center in Bergen County, New Jersey stands out as a top choice for its advanced technology, comprehensive care, and exceptional doctors. At The Valley Gamma Knife Center, you’ll benefit from:
Advanced Technology
Gamma Knife surgery is not only cutting edge, it is established as the gold standard in stereotactic radiosurgery, with over 50 years of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. No other platform or device has this kind of track record. Valley was the first hospital in northern New Jersey to offer Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and The Valley Hospital’s Gamma Knife Center is a proud member of the North American Gamma Knife Consortium (NAGKC), a group of elite centers of excellence that perform Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
Comprehensive Care
Patients at The Valley Gamma Knife Center benefit from a holistic approach to treatment, with supportive care from additional specialties within Valley Health System. This comprehensive care ensures all aspects of a patient’s health are considered.
Exceptional Doctors
The team at The Valley Gamma Knife Center is comprised of highly experienced doctors renowned for their expertise in minimally invasive surgery and acoustic neuroma. Their commitment to research and involvement in clinical studies keeps them abreast of the latest developments, ensuring their patients receive the best possible care. Additionally, their dedication to patient care is reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions they have received.
Talk to Our Team for Help Finding the Right Option
Deciding between Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and traditional surgery for an acoustic neuroma is a deeply personal choice, dependent on factors like tumor size and location, as well as your own health priorities. If you’re considering Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, it is always best to discuss your case with a neurosurgeon experienced in both approaches. Understanding the risks, benefits and potential outcomes of each option will empower you to make the best-informed decision for your long-term well-being.
