Pre-LINAC Evaluation for Acoustic Neuromas

Acoustic neuromas and meningiomas are the lesions second most commonly treated with the LINAC Scalpel at the University of Florida Shands Neurological Center.

Acoustic neuromas and meningiomas must be less than 3.5 cm in diameter to be treated with the LINAC Scalpel. Acoustic neuromas and meningiomas that have been partially removed or that have recurred after surgical removal also can be treated with the LINAC Scalpel.

Referring physicians should send actual CT and MRI films, as well as hospital and office records, to the University of Florida, College of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery.

---

Risks of LINAC Treatment

There is no known acute risk of radiosurgical therapy, which allows patients to be treated on an outpatient basis.

About 50 percent of AN's treated result in shrinkage of the tumor, and about 40 percent of AN's treated remain the same. Less than 10 percent of AN's treated continue to grow.

Facial nerve and/or trigeminal nerve symptoms develop in about 3 percent of AN patients.

Radiation necrosis of the brain tissue around the acoustic neuroma or meningioma can cause a variety of neurological complications, depending on the location of the lesion. This occurs in less than 5 percent of acoustic neuroma and meningioma patients.

---

Post-LINAC Treatment

Follow-up assessment of acoustic neuroma and meningioma patients involves an MRI scan 12 months after treatment.

Patients may choose to have follow-up X-rays taken at medical facilities other than Shands Hospital at the University of Florida.

---

Indications for Radiosurgical Treatment

General indications for radiosurgical treatment, as opposed to open surgical treatment~ are as follows:

1. Surgically inoperable lesions.

2. Lesions that have recurred or persisted after surgery.

3. Medically infirm patients

4. Patients who refuse open surgical treatment.