CPA tumors accounts for almost 5-10% of the intracranial tumors and most of them are benign. They are the most common neoplasms in the posterior fossa.
Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumours can be divided into following types:
Extra-Axial Tumours
- Acoustic tumors or more precisely vestibular schwannomas
- Meningioma
- Epidermoid
- Arachnoid
Intra-axial tumours
- Parenchymal lesions such as
- Astrocytoma
- Ependymoma
- Papilloma
- Haemangioblastoma
Extradural tumours
- Glomus tumors
- Bone lesions
- Petrous apex lesions
- Cholesterol granulomas
- Epidermoid cysts
- Mucoceles
Symptoms of CPA tumor
The symptoms of CPA tumor vary according to the size and location of the lesion and may include some or all of the following:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo/unsteadiness
- Disequilibrium
- Headache
- Facial hypesthesia
- Diplopia
- Vision loss/Blurring vision
Diagnosis of CPA tumors:
Diagnosis of CPA tumors requires complete physical examination of the patient including an examination of the ear and assessment of hearing, cranial nerve, oculomotor and cerebellar function. In addition to these, diagnostic tests like CT scan and MRI are required to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the prognosis of disease.
Treatment of CPA tumors:
Treatment depends upon the patient age, his medical condition, growth rate of tumor, and its pathologic behaviour. Some cases may get relief from diuretic therapy. But the main options for CPA tumor management include surgical resection, radiation therapy or observation by serial imaging. Very rarely, chemotherapy is considered for occasional malignant lesions.
