What is a cerebellopontine angle tumor?
By Mayo Clinic Staff
A cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor is a growth found in a small space near the brainstem and cerebellum. This space, called the cerebellopontine angle, contains nerves that control hearing and balance. It also contains nerves that control feeling and movement in the face.
A CPA tumor, CPA mass or CPA lesion is not a diagnosis. These terms describe a finding seen in the cerebellopontine angle on imaging. The exact type of cerebellopontine angle tumor is not known until a care team reviews imaging and other test results.
The most common tumor in this area is a vestibular schwannoma. This also is called acoustic neuroma. It makes up more than 80% of CPA tumors. Other types of CPA tumors include meningiomas, epidermoid tumors and cysts.
Tumor, mass or lesion: What's the difference?
These terms are often used on imaging reports:
- A lesion is any unusual area of tissue.
- A mass is a lump seen on imaging.
- A tumor is a type of mass caused by unusual cell growth.
Any of these may or may not be cancer. Benign means it is not cancer. Malignant means it is cancer.
What symptoms can it cause?
Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected and often develop slowly. Early symptoms usually affect hearing and balance. These symptoms include:
- Hearing loss in one ear.
- Ringing in one ear, also called tinnitus.
- Mild balance issues.
As a tumor grows, it may press on nearby nerves. This can cause symptoms such as headaches and trouble walking.
What does a left or right CPA mass mean?
A left or right CPA mass simply describes which side of the brain the finding is on.
How are treatment decisions made?
Treatment depends on the tumor type, tumor size, growth rate, symptoms and a person's overall health. Options include:
- Monitoring for small or slow-growing tumors.
- Radiation therapy to control growth.
- Surgery for larger tumors or those that cause symptoms.
Is a CPA tumor dangerous?
Most CPA tumors are not cancer. But their location matters.
Because a CPA tumor is near important nerves and the brainstem, even a benign tumor can cause symptoms or complications if it grows. Larger tumors may press on nearby nerves or the brainstem and may need treatment.
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