Patients are found to have an acoustic neuroma but have few symptoms. In such people, simply observing the tumor may be a viable option. This is particularly the case for older patients.

It is not clear what the average growth rate of an acoustic neuroma is. There is some information to suggest that on average, these tumors grow approximately 2 mm per year. This is information that has been obtained from studies where patients had brain imaging scans but were not treated. It is also clear that there can be much variability in the growth rate. Some patients have tumors that do not grow for a few years and then start to grow. Others can have tumors that do not grow for many years. In others, the tumor can grow more quickly.

Patients who choose to observe their tumor should have regular imaging studies, perhaps initially at six month intervals and then yearly. In this way, even small amounts of tumor growth can be identified early and then appropriate treatments recommendations offered.

© 2001-06 The Department of Neurosurgery, at the University of Pittsburgh. This web site is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided through this web site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Please see your physician before taking any medical action. Do not duplicate in any form. All rights reserved. Please read full legal disclaimer and privacy policy.

Please direct all web-specific inquiries to our web manager.