[Acoustic neurinoma: observation prior to surgery]

During the period from 1977 to 1989 (both years included) 79 acoustic neurinomata were diagnosed in 76 patients in the County of Arhus. Twenty-four of these neurinomata were followed for varying periods clinically and radiographically. The symptoms of the patients and the results of successive computed-tomographic scans are mentioned. During the periods of observation, four patients were submitted to operation and operation was recommended in two cases. Seventeen patients are still under observation and are in good clinical condition with cessation or limited growth of the tumour in eight. These patients have been observed for between 1 and 13 years, on an average 4.5 years and are characterised by advanced age which averaged 61 years at the time of the diagnosis. The rate of growth of the tumour was calculated to be 1.1 mm per annum on an average with a variation from 0 mm to 4.8 mm per annum. As operative treatment of acouistic neurinoma exposes the patient to a not inconsiderable risk of deterioration the medical and/or socioeconomic status, the authors consider that an expectant and controlled attitude (wait and scan) is justified in elderly patients with acoustic neurinoma.