What causes cerebellopontine angle tumors?

Causes. In most cases, the cause of acoustic neuromas is unknown. The only statistically significant risk factor for developing an acoustic neuroma is having a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). There are no confirmed environmental risk factors for acoustic neuroma.

What is a CPA in the brain?

Cerebellopontine angle tumors (CPAs) occur between the lower part of the brain and the brain stem. Most CPAs are benign, but can cause nerve damage or compress the brain stem if not treated. About 90 percent of the time, the first symptom is hearing loss in one ear, accompanied by tinnitus, ringing in the ears.

Where is the Cerebellopontine located?

The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) (Latin: angulus cerebellopontinus) is located between the cerebellum and the pons. The cerebellopontine angle is the site of the cerebellopontine angle cistern one of the subarachnoid cisterns that contains cerebrospinal fluid, arachnoid tissue, cranial nerves, and associated vessels.

What is CPA surgery?

Endoscopic surgical techniques in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) have improved visualization of the tumor and adjacent structures. Stereotactic methods have improved accuracy of the delivery of microsurgical dissection and radiation therapy, thus minimizing damage to adjacent tissue.

What is cerebellopontine angle meningioma?

Cerebellopontine angle meningiomas account for 6–15% of the tumors in the cerebellopontine angle region (1). They are characterized by the deep tumor location, narrow surgical field, and proximity to the brainstem, multiple pairs of (V–XI) cranial nerves (2).

What is CPA tumor?

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors are the most common neoplasms in the posterior fossa, accounting for 5-10% of intracranial tumors. Most CPA tumors are benign, with over 85% being vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), lipomas, vascular malformations, and hemangiomas.

What kind of tumor is found in the cerebellopontine angle?

The most common cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor is a vestibular schwannoma affecting cranial nerve VIII (80%), followed by meningioma (10%). Acoustic neuroma/vestibular schwannoma Meningioma, a tumor of the meninges or membranes that surround the nerves passing through the CPA

What are the symptoms of cerebello pontine angle?

The most frequent presenting symptoms of cerebello-pontine angle tumors (including intracanicular vestibular schwannomas) are unilateral hearing loss (95%) and tinnitus (80%) with vertigo and/or impaired balance observed in half of the cases (Nadol and Martuza, 2005; Caye-Thomasen et al., 2007).

What happens if you have a cerebellopontine mass lesion?

With brainstem extension, midfacial and corneal hypesthesia, hydrocephalus, and other cranial neuropathies become more prevalent. For example, involvement of CN V from a cerebellopontine mass lesion often results in loss of the ipsilateral (same side of the body) corneal reflex (involuntary blink).