Untreated Vestibular Schwannoma: Analysis of the Determinants of Growth

Abstract

The growth rate of sporadic VS varies considerably, posing challenges for consistent clinical management. This systematic review examines data on factors associated with VS growth, following a protocol registered in the PROSPERO database. The analysis reveals that key predictors of tumor growth include tumor location, initial size, and specific clinical symptoms such as hearing loss and imbalance. Additionally, several studies suggest that growth observed within the first year may serve as an indicator of subsequent progression, enabling the earlier identification of high-risk cases. Emerging factors such as the posture swing test and MRI signal intensity have also been identified as novel predictors that could further refine growth assessments. Our meta-analysis confirms that tumor location, initial size, cystic components, and vestibular symptoms are closely linked to the likelihood of VS growth. This review provides valuable guidance for clinicians in identifying patients who may require closer monitoring or early intervention. By integrating these predictive factors into clinical practice, this review supports more personalized treatment and contributes to the development of more accurate prognostic models for managing untreated sporadic VS.