Marc S. Schwartz, MD
- Neurosurgeon
- Co-director, Acoustic Neuroma Program
- Professor of Neurological Surgery
Acoustic Neuroma Program
At UC San Diego Health, we focus on compassionate, comprehensive care for patients with acoustic neuroma.
Starting with the first phone call and extending through all aspects of your care, our dedicated patient navigators and expert team are here to help you achieve the best outcome possible.
Why Choose UC San Diego Health for Acoustic Neuroma Treatment?
High-Volume Program
Our expert team performs the most vestibular schwannoma surgeries in the nation. Studies show that patients treated at a high-volume center have superior outcomes. View research findings.
Deeply Experienced Team
Drs. Friedman and Schwartz have worked together for more than two decades to treat acoustic neuromas. They have performed more than 3,000 acoustic neuroma surgeries.
Reduced Operative Time and Shorter Stay
Our patients stay in the hospital 2 to 3 days, for a total of 9 to 10 days in San Diego, which is especially helpful to those who travel for their treatment.
Fewer Complications and Readmissions
High Success Rate of Hearing Preservation With Middle Fossa Procedure
Comprehensive Services in One Convenient Location
Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options
We offer a range of advanced treatment options tailored to your unique needs, all in one location, including:
- Our advanced gamma knife radiosurgery offers a noninvasive procedure that uses precisely focused radiation to target the tumor. This option is ideal for many patients looking to minimize recovery time while preserving their quality of life.
- Microsurgical resection techniques let us safely remove the tumor while preserving facial nerve function whenever possible. This option is best for patients with larger or more complex tumors.
- Monitoring (wait and watch) is an option for patients with smaller, slow-growing tumors. We’ll carefully track any changes through advanced imaging and regular evaluations.
Many patients ask if they really need surgery for their acoustic neuroma, or vestibular schwannoma. In many cases, surgery may not be necessary. Options like Gamma Knife Radiosurgery or observation (for certain cases) provide effective alternatives to traditional surgery. Our team will work with you to determine the safest and most effective plan based on your specific condition.
We also offer other enhanced therapies for acoustic neuroma:
- Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT) is a whole-person, hands-on approach that supports your healing and recovery. After surgery, OMT can help reduce the need for opiates and shorten your hospital stay.
- Vestibular therapy is an integral part of your comprehensive care, helping you before and after treatment. It can promote faster balance recovery and return to activity.
- Our audiology services can help with hearing and balance issues.
Meet the Care Team
Our acoustic neuroma team is led by Rick Friedman, MD, PhD, and Marc Schwartz, MD, who have surgeries together for over two decades, with exceptional success with hearing preservation and balance recovery.
This care team also includes experts in otology, neurotology, otolaryngology, neurology, radiology, radiation oncology, audiology, neuro-oncology and neurosurgery. They are joined by specially trained nurses, therapists, medical assistants and treatment coordinators.
Video: Acoustic Neuroma Surgery with Dr. Rick Friedman
Acoustic neuroma expert Rick Friedman, MD, PhD, explains why the Acoustic Neuroma Program at UC San Diego Health leads the nation in the number of patients and positive treatment outcomes for this rare benign tumor.
Patient Support and Navigation
When you contact the Acoustic Neuroma Program at UC San Diego Health, our team will help you prepare for your first interaction with the doctors. We have two patient navigators who can answer questions, address your concerns, and support you as you prepare for treatment. Both are previous patients and have had surgery for their own acoustic neuromas. They understand the emotional impact the diagnosis and treatment may have and will provide support and assistance as you navigate this process.
Learn More About Acoustic Neuroma Care
La Jolla Family House
Many of our patients stay at La Jolla Family House, which is reserved for out-of-town UC San Diego Health patients and their families. The apartments are within walking distance to Jacobs Medical Center, where acoustic neuroma surgeries are performed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Acoustic Neuroma Specialists and Doctors
Rick A. Friedman, MD, PhD
- Neurotologist
- Vice Chair, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
- Director, Acoustic Neuroma Program
Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, PhD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Distinguished Professor of Surgery
Jacqueline Greene, MD
- Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon
- Assistant Professor of Surgery
