Acoustic tumor growth: implications for treatment choices.
BACKGROUND
Knowledge of acoustic neuroma (AN) growth is essential for treatment planning.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 119 patients with AN (mean age, 65 years; range, 37-84 years) followed with interval magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) was performed. Change in maximum tumor dimension as a function of follow-up period was analyzed.


RESULTS
Overall, maximum tumor dimension increased >2 mm in only 30% of patients. Of those that grew, the mean growth rate was 3.8 mm/year (maximum, 25 mm/year). Age, gender, and laterality did not predict growth. Most tumors that grew (86.1 %) were <20 mm at presentation. However, tumors >20 mm were statistically more likely to grow (71%, p =0.028).


CONCLUSIONS
Most ANs followed with periodic MRIs do not grow. Available clinical information usually cannot predict growth. Serial MRIs are advocated for all patients treated with observation.
Fucci
M J
MJ
House Ear Clinic, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Buchman
C A
CA
Brackmann
D E
DE
Berliner
K I
KI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000473:pathology*