Histopathology and growth pattern of cystic acoustic neuromas

In a series of 571 acoustic neuromas, 23 were identified as cystic tumors. An immunohistochemical study including nervous system-associated protein (S-100), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament protein (NF), laminin, fibronectin, vimentin, factor VIII (von Willebrand factor)-related antigen, and the nuclear antibody Ki-67 was performed. The cyst walls contained numerous S-100-positive fibrils distributed throughout the whole extent of the walls. Laminin, fibronectin, and vimentin were predominantly located around the vessel walls, factor VIII was found inside the vessels. GFAP-positive lamellae occurred in 50% of the cases near the surface of the cyst walls. Ki-67 is an antigen associated with cell proliferation. The density of Ki-67-positive cells was found to be 36 times lower in 16 noncystic controls than in the 23 cystic neuromas, indicating that the increase in tumor size in cystic acoustic neuromas may be caused by expansion of the cysts and not by an actual increase in the growth rate of the tumor cells. The data achieved in this series may contribute to better planning of the surgical approach. Because of the risk of sudden expansion of cystic elements, a wait-and-see policy should not be applied to patients with cystic acoustic neuromas.