What is a cerebellopontine angle Tumour?

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors are the most common neoplasms in the posterior fossa, accounting for 5-10% of intracranial tumors. Most CPA tumors are benign, with over 85% being vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), lipomas, vascular malformations, and hemangiomas.

What are the main clinical signs of a tumor of the cerebellopontine angle?

The most common presenting symptoms of lesions involving the CPA include hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, headaches, and gait dysfunction. Hearing loss is mostly unilateral sensorineural and is due to the involvement of the cochlear nerve.

What causes cerebellopontine angle tumors?

Causes. In most cases, the cause of acoustic neuromas is unknown. The only statistically significant risk factor for developing an acoustic neuroma is having a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). There are no confirmed environmental risk factors for acoustic neuroma.

What is CPA MRI?

(1, 2), tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) may be categorized by key features on contrast-enhanced MRI, which then limit the differential diagnosis. Nonenhancing lesions are further divided into those that have high or low signal on T1-weighted MRI.

What nerves are in the cerebellopontine angle?

Within the cerebellopontine angle, the superior vestibular nerve is posterior and superior, the facial nerve anterior and superior, the inferior vestibular nerve posterior and inferior, and the cochlear nerve anterior and inferior.

Where is the right cerebellopontine angle cistern?

The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) cistern, also known as the pontocerebellar cistern, is a triangular CSF-filled subarachnoid cistern that lies between the anterior surface of the cerebellum and the lateral surface of the pons.

What is CPA imaging?

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) masses are relatively common. Although a diverse range of pathologies may be seen in this region, the most common by far is a vestibular schwannoma.

How rare is a schwannoma?

Schwannoma is not common. It is a rare disease, which means it affects fewer than 200,000 people.

What does the cerebellopontine angle do?

The cerebellopontine angle is formed by the cerebellopontine fissure. This fissure is made when the cerebellum folds over to the pons, creating a sharply defined angle between them. The angle formed in turn creates a subarachnoid cistern, the cerebellopontine angle cistern.

What is the CPA cistern?

What does MRI of brain show?

An MRI produces pictures of the brain by using magnetic fields as well as energy from radio waves. These MRI images can show the existence of brain tumors and their growth being experienced, blood vessel blockage in the brain (and the severity), as well as other signs of disease.

What does neck MRI detect?

A neck MRI produces images of the neck between the upper area of the spine and the head region. It shows the structure of the neck vertebrae—the bones in the part of the spinal column ending just below the skull—, along with cartilage, ligaments and nerves. While most of this type of body scanning is made while at rest,…

What does a MRI show?

A magnetic resonance image ( MRI) is a type of diagnostic scan that can show highly detailed pictures of the interior of the body. With their high contrast, MRIs are the tool of choice for mapping complex organs such as the brain and heart, as well as joints and muscles.

How is MRI done?

MRI is a painless technique that usually takes about 20 minutes. MRI usually is done as an outpatient test in a special scanning area of a hospital or in a scanning facility. You will be asked to remove all metal jewelry and to lie on a scanning table.