Vestibular tumor
Template:Vestibular tumor
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Vestibular tumors are growths that tend to develop underneath the serous tissue of the sublinguinal region. They may be found anywhere between the chin and the larynx (or voicebox) and are not more inclined to one side of the body than the other. They are predominantly present in adolescent females though they are not directly related to any hygienal issues. While surgery is the most often cure, deaths rarely occur due to the existence of vestibular tumors.
Historical Perspective
The first reported case of a vestibular tumor was in 1898 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Though there have been stories of growths of the like of vestibular tumors, this was the first medically reported case. At the time, surgery was too dangerous, so Emilia Walfen was forced to live with the tumor, which eventually grew to the size of a Concord grape.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence
- The overall incidence of vestibular schwannomas is approximately 1 per 100,000 person-years in the United States.
- Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are primarily observed in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
- The tumors are unilateral in more than 90 percent of cases, affecting the right and left sides with equal frequency.
Age
- The median age at diagnosis is approximately 50 years.
Gender
- Vestibular schwannomas occur equally in both genders.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
While they are not always life threatening, vestibular tumors pose a major health impediment. First of all, they can grow to be quite noticeable and after reaching a large size, are often easily irritable. Secondly they can lead to difficulty swallowing due to the pressure on the tongue or pharynx.
Treatment
Surgery and Device Based Therapy
Surgery is most often the decision made by the patients and it is rather affordable though if not treated may lead to life-long problems.