Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors (CPA Tumors):

The CPA is a common location for intracranial tumors representing 8-10% of all intracranial tumors. Vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuroma), meningiomas and epidermoids represent the majority of CPA tumors. The anatomy of this area is complex and includes the cerebellum, brainstem and neurovascular structures.

Cranial nerves V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI are in the CPA as well as several arterial and venous structures. All may have devastating consequences if affected by tumors and/or injury.

Thorough evaluation includes neurologic evaluation, hearing evaluation and/or ENT evaluation for lower cranial nerves. CT scans, MRI’s and sometimes angiography are necessary to evaluate the lesions.

Treatment options depend upon age, type of lesion and size. However, observation, microsurgery and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (i.e. Gamma Knife) all have their role.