Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic Neuroma: Possibly Malignant?

Recently, Maducdoc et al (2015) reported on 12 cases of “malignant transformation” from benign to malignant acoustic neuromas. Of note, some 42 percent of neurotologists treat acoustic neuroma with stereotactic radio surgery (SRS). Indeed, 8 of the 12 cases were noted following SRS and microsurgery (MS), while 4 of the 12 transformed after MS only. The authors note that the mechanism that may lead to a malignant transformation seems “more obvious” for SRS, and is less well understood for MS.

Acoustic Neuroma Patient Needs and Concerns

Leong and Lesser (2015) reported that 880 members of the British Acoustic Neuroma Association were e-mailed a survey of which 480 were returned from people who had been diagnosed and treated for acoustic neuroma, and 465 had complete data, used for analysis. Acoustic neuroma treatment ranged from surgical excision for 47 percent of the respondents, stereotactic radiosurgery was the treatment for 25 percent, some 23 percent had serial MRIs, and the remaining 5 percent had surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.