Diagnosis, Treatment and Aftermath

Angular tumor is a tumor that develops in the area adjacent to the brainstem and cerebellum, especially within the eighth cranial nerve. The fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth, 11th and 12th cranial nerves are also located in this region. The most common type is a benign tumor called "acoustic neuroma" arising from the Schwan cells of the eighth nerve. However, other tumors such as meningioma and epidermoid can also be seen in this region.

In Whom Is It Seen?

Corner tumor, which is seen equally frequently in men and women, may occur more frequently and sometimes bilaterally in those with some hereditary diseases (Neurofibromatosis, VHL, etc.).

How is it formed?

The tumor occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth of nerve sheath cells. It starts from the inside of the nerve and grows outwards onto the adjacent brainstem.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary depending on the size of the tumor. The first symptoms are usually tinnitus and hearing loss. As the tumor grows, hearing loss increases and may deafen the patient. Additionally, depending on the size of the tumor, symptoms such as facial numbness, facial paralysis, and loss of strength and balance may occur.

Treatment Methods:

Dr. The treatment applied by Yunus Aydın is generally surgical. Surgery should be performed by experienced surgeons and priority should be given to preserving the integrity of the eighth nerve. Surgery aims to remove the entire tumor and survive with minimal damage. Apart from surgery, gamma ray therapy may also be an alternative for tumors that are not suitable for surgery or are small and prone to growth.

What Happens If It Is Not Treated?

Large tumors left untreated can first cause serious health problems and then kill the patient.

Postoperative Development:

After surgery, if there is no facial paralysis or damage to other cranial nerves, the patient may stay in the hospital for a few days. If there is facial paralysis, eye protection is important. Since the eyelid does not close, it can cause dry eyes and vision problems. Various measures can be taken to protect the eye, such as covering it with pomade at night and artificial tear support during the day.

Other Treatment Methods:

Burning the tumor with gamma rays may be an alternative for tumors that are not suitable for surgery or are small. However, it has been stated that this method is recommended only for follow-up, especially for patients with small tumors who have hearing loss.

After this treatment, the condition of the tumor is checked with medicated brain MRI. If necessary, repeat surgery or gamma ray therapy may be considered.

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