Summary and consensus in 7th International Conference on acoustic neuroma: An update for the management of sporadic acoustic neuromas

World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Dec 24;2(4):234-239. doi: 10.1016/j.wjorl.2016.10.002. eCollection 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Sporadic vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a benign tumor arising from cochleovestibular nerve. Nowadays, various specialties and medical centers are treating this disease, and the multidisciplinary collaboration is the trend. In an effort to promote a uniform standard for reporting clinical results, even for treatment indications, the mainly controversies were posed and discussed during the 7th International Conference on acoustic neuroma, and the agreement was summarized by the Committee of this conference. The main symptoms grading and tumor stage should note its name of classification for making them comparable. The goal of the modern managements for vestibular schwannoma is to improve the quality of life with lower mortality, lower morbidity and better neurological function preservation. The experience of surgical team and their preference might be a major factor for the outcome. Because of lacking of long-term follow-up large data after radiotherapy, and with the development of microsurgery, radiotherapy is now less recommended except for recurrent cases or elderly patients.

Keywords: Management; Microsurgery; Radiotherapy; Sporadic acoustic neuroma; Symptoms grading; Tumor stage; Vestibular schwannoma.