Vestibular schwannomas : new developments in the management of vestibular schwannomas

The vestibular schwannoma is a not to slowly growing benign tumour of the auditory and equilibrium nerve. Tumour growth is assessed by annual scans of patients; in the case of growth the tumour can be radiated or operated. This research shows that a new volumetric measuring technique is more sensitive in growth detection than the currently used two-dimensional measurements; unfortunately tumour growth remains unpredictable. A radiation treatment shows good results in the small and middle-size tumours. With large tumours an operation is preferable: when the tumour is largely removed, the chances of preserving the face nerve function are much better. The remainder of the tumour can be radiated afterwards. Primary radiation of large tumours is possible, but the results are not as good. This research offers new insights in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma patients.