Value of different strategies in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Therapeutic aspects and literature analysis

Treatment strategies for vestibular schwannoma have been extended and become more differentiated. An analysis of the international literature with the help of a PubMed search shows that otological and neurosurgical procedures as well as radiation therapies do not only compete but also complement each other. Standardized protocols for the classification of hearing, facial nerve function and quality of life enable a better comparison of functional results. Recent publications discuss - in addition to the standard of preserving facial nerve function and hearing - aspects of vestibular function as well as quality of life, especially in long-term follow up. In addition to effective tumour control, major focus is put on minimizing morbidity. The choice of therapy in patients with neurofibromatosis 2 and recurrent tumours is particularly challenging. The complex topic requires a profound knowledge of differential therapeutic aspects from consulting and treating physicians. Therefore, the individual treatment recommendation should be given in a specialized center.