Acoustic neuroma secondary prevention

Secondary prevention strategies following acoustic neuroma treatment include follow-up MRI scans.

The approach for follow-up studies after treatment and diagnosis is uncertain and there is not enough data to support specific recommendations. Due to the potentially slow growth of acoustic neuroma, prolonged follow-up is necessary.^[1]

• Patients being managed with observation and with no tumor growth should be scanned yearly for 10 years and then every 3 – 5 years. Audiometry should also be performed on a regular basis.^[2]
• A follow-up MRI is performed within 6 – 12 months after surgical excision to document complete tumor removal.
• Follow-up MRI should be obtained at 5 years and at 10 years, assuming complete tumor removal.
• If the findings on the 10-year follow-up MRI scan are normal, further imaging should be performed only if clinical circumstances require it.
• Patients treated with radiotherapy and with no tumor growth should be scanned yearly for 10 years and then every 2 years

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