Acoustic Neuromas

Patients with acoustic neuromas have several treatment options that include observation, surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and fractionated radiotherapy. Resection is indicated for patients with larger tumors that have caused major neurologic deficits from brain compression. Surgeons perform stereotactic radiosurgery as the main alternative to acoustic tumor resection with the goals of preserved neurologic function and prevention of tumor growth. The long-term outcomes of radiosurgery, particularly with gamma knife technique, have proven its role in the primary or adjuvant management of this disease. Radiotherapy can be offered to selected patients with larger tumors in whom radiosurgery may not be feasible. Patients with neurofibromatosis type-2 pose specific challenges, particularly in regard to preservation of hearing and other cranial nerve function. The primary clinical issues include avoiding tumor-related or treatment-related mortality, prevention of further tumor-related neurologic disability, minimizing treatment risks such as spinal fluid leakage, infections, or cardiopulmonary complications, maintaining regional cranial nerve function (facial, trigeminal, cochlear, and glossopharyngeal/vagal), avoiding hydrocephalus, maintaining quality of life and employment, and reducing cost. All treatment choices should strive to meet all of these goals.