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Vestibular Schwannoma Causes
In the case of vestibular schwannoma, causes of the tumor have yet to be found. However, researchers have identified certain risk factors for vestibular schwannoma. While not vestibular schwannoma causes, these factors may increase a person's chances of developing the tumor. Risk factors for vestibular schwannoma include being between 30 and 60 years of age and having a family history of neurofibromatosis type 2 (a rare inherited disorder).
No one knows the exact cause or causes of vestibular schwannoma. Doctors cannot always explain why one person gets vestibular schwannoma and another does not. However, research has shown that people with certain vestibular schwannoma risk factors are more likely than others to develop the tumor. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chances of developing a disease, condition, or other medical problem.
Researchers have identified certain factors that, while not vestibular schwannoma causes, may increase the risk of developing the benign tumor. Specific risk factors for vestibular schwannoma include:
- Age (most people develop the tumor between the ages of 30 and 60)
- Family history of neurofibromatosis type 2.
Age
Most people develop vestibular schwannoma between the ages of 30 and 60. The average age at diagnosis is 50.
Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the development of vestibular schwannomas on both auditory nerves. The disease is also characterized by the development of malignant central nervous system tumors as well. Half of affected individuals have inherited neurofibromatosis from an affected parent and half seem to have a mutation for the first time in their family. Each child of an affected parent has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disorder.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD