Long-term outcomes of facial nerve schwannomas with favorable facial nerve function: tumor growth rate is correlated with initial tumor size

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 163 - 165
• Main Authors: Yang, Weilong, MM, Zhao, Jiapeng, MM, Han, Yanyan, MM, Yang, Huilin, MM, Xing, Junling, MM, Zhang, Yongsen, MM, Wang, Yufeng, MM, Liu, Hui, MM
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2015; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; China; Cohort Studies; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms - pathology; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms - surgery; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms - therapy; Disease Progression; Facial Nerve - pathology; Female; Hearing loss; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness - pathology; Neoplasm Staging; Neurilemmoma - pathology; Neurilemmoma - surgery; Neurilemmoma - therapy; Otolaryngology; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sex Factors; Surgery; Time Factors; Tumor Burden; Tumors; Watchful Waiting - methods; Women; Young Adult; China
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2014.10.019

Abstract Objective The study aimed to report long-term outcomes of facial nerve schwannomas (FNS) with favorable facial nerve function by observation, and to discuss about the relationship between initial tumor size and tumor growth. Methods 21 facial nerve schwannoma cases with favorable facial nerve function were managed by observation. They were divided into larger size group (size ≥ 10 mm) and smaller size group (size < 10 mm) according to initial tumor size. Results They were followed up for 6.4 ± 1.7 years. 18 of 21 cases (85.7%) maintained House–Brackmann Grade III or better. Growth rate of the tumors in larger size group was 72.7%, much higher than 10% in smaller size group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Observation was feasible for most FNS with favorable facial nerve function, and growth rate of the tumors was associated with tumor size.