Tumor shape as a prognostic factor for the growth of intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma: a long-term observational study

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Aug;281(8):4063-4068. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08540-0. Epub 2024 Mar 18.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive factors of tumor growth in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) managed with the wait-and-scan approach.

Methods: The data of 31 patients diagnosed with intracanalicular VS and followed for > 5 years were retrospectively analyzed. VS was diagnosed according to MRI findings and tumor growth was monitored. Tumor growth was defined as an increase of 2 mm or more in the maximal tumor diameter. The association between the initial tumor size and shape and tumor growth was assessed.

Results: Tumor growth was observed in 16 of 31 patients (51.6%) over a mean follow-up duration of 7.3 years. The initial tumor size was not statistically correlated with tumor growth. However, fusiform or cylindrical tumors exhibited higher growth rates than oval or round tumors. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between cerebellopontine angle extension and tumor shape.

Conclusion: In this study, 51.6% of the patients with intracanalicular VS who were managed with the wait-and-scan strategy over a follow-up period of > 5 years showed tumor growth. Tumor shape, especially fusiform or cylindrical shape, was found to be a significant predictor of tumor growth.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Tumor growth; Tumor shape; Vestibular schwannoma.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroma, Acoustic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroma, Acoustic* / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tumor Burden
  • Watchful Waiting