Vestibular schwannoma - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Vestibular schwannoma is a histologically benign, generally slow-growing tumor that may remain stable for long periods on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scans after initial detection.
Progressive unilateral sensorineural hearing loss is the most common presenting symptom, followed by tinnitus and intermittent dizziness; hemifacial numbness or pain may occur less frequently.
Larger tumors may cause headaches, ataxia, and obstructive hydrocephalus and may rarely be life threatening.
Diagnosis is confirmed by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the head.
Management includes observation (active surveillance), focused radiation (stereotactic radiosurgery or radiation therapy), or surgery.

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted axial MRI studies demonstrating various sizes of left-sided sporadic vestibular schwannoma. (A) small intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma; (B-C) medium-sized vestibular schwannomas; (D) large cystic vestibular schwannoma

Citations

Key Articles

Goldbrunner R, Weller M, Regis J, et al. EANO guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Neuro Oncol. 2020 Jan 11;22(1):31-45.[Abstract][Full Text]
Ren Y, Chari DA, Vasilijic S, et al. New developments in neurofibromatosis type 2 and vestibular schwannoma. Neurooncol Adv. 2021 Jan-Dec;3(1):vdaa153.[Abstract][Full Text]
Lin VY, Stewart C, Grebenyuk J, et al. Unilateral acoustic neuromas: long-term hearing results in patients managed with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, hearing preservation surgery, and expectantly. Laryngoscope. 2005 Feb;115(2):292-6.[Abstract]
Pollock BE. Management of vestibular schwannomas that enlarge after stereotactic radiosurgery: treatment recommendations based on a 15 year experience. Neurosurgery. 2006 Feb;58(2):241-8.[Abstract]
Darrouzet V, Martel J, Enee V, et al. Vestibular schwannoma surgery outcomes: our multidisciplinary experience in 400 cases over 17 years. Laryngoscope. 2004 Apr;114(4):681-8.[Abstract]
Roland JT Jr, Fishman AJ, Golfinos JG, et al. Cranial nerve preservation in surgery for large acoustic neuromas. Skull Base. 2004 May;14(2):85-91.[Abstract][Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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