Neurofibromatosis Type 2
A very small percentage of people with vestibular schwannoma / acoustic neuroma have these tumors on both sides, or have additional intracranial tumors. These individuals have a condition called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2). This is a genetic disorder that may be inherited or develop without a prior history in the family. The tumors in NF2 are usually more aggressive in terms of their growth and adherence to surrounding tissues. Therefore treatment is often more complicated and nerve damage, including deafness, and facial paralysis is more common. Recent experience with GKS has demonstrated that many patients will retain their hearing if GKS is used before deafness develops. Therefore, treating very small tumors in patients with NF2 has become an important treatment option to consider, and may help avoid some of the frequent neurological problems that disable many afflicted with this disease.
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