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

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 ≥10mm) and smaller size group (size <10mm) according to initial tumor size.

RESULTS

They were followed up for 6.4±1.7years. 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.