Acoustic neuroma

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Genetic risk of neurofibromatosis 2
The only known risk factor for acoustic neuroma is having a parent with the rare genetic disorder neurofibromatosis 2, but this accounts for only a minority of cases. A hallmark characteristic of neurofibromatosis 2 is the development of benign tumors on the acoustic nerves on both sides of your head, as well as on other nerves.

Neurofibromatosis 2 is known as an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning the mutation occurs on a nonsex chromosome (autosome) and can be passed on by just one parent (dominant gene). Each child of an affected parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting it.

Other possible but unconfirmed risk factors for acoustic neuroma include:

  • Exposure to loud noise
  • Childhood exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck
  • History of parathyroid adenoma, a benign tumor of the parathyroid glands in the neck
  • Heavy use of cellular telephones
References
  1. Acoustic neuroma. American Hearing Research Foundation. http://www.american-hearing.org/disorders/acoustic-neuroma/. Accessed June 14, 2010.
  2. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) and neurofibromatosis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/acoustic_neuroma.asp. Accessed June 14, 2010.
  3. Park JK, et al. Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed June 14, 2010.
  4. Radiosurgery practice guideline initiative: Stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with vestibular schwannomas. International RadioSurgery Association. 2006: #4-06. http://www.irsa.org/AN%20Guideline.pdf. Accessed June 14, 2010.
DS00803 Sept. 8, 2010

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