Treatment Option – Watch, Wait and Rescan - BANA UK | British Acoustic Neuroma Association

Watch, wait and scan management

Unless the tumour is causing distressing symptoms, as a general rule most patients will opt for watch, wait and rescan, i.e. an observation of the tumour. Research has shown that two in three small tumours (less than 1.5cms) do not grow and, therefore, may not need to be treated. It is these symptoms that determine quality of life and, therefore, will influence your choice of management.

These symptoms include hearing loss on the side of the tumour which may become worse over time even if the tumour does not grow, a worsening of tinnitus and possibly episodes of dizziness or problems with your balance. Although these symptoms can be accepted as being preferable to the risks of an invasive treatment, they can affect a person’s quality of life.

There is also the psychological effect of having a tumour remaining in the head. Whilst some patients understandably prefer a non-interventional management to surgery or radiotherapy, the fact that you are having regular scans and regular visits to the hospital to monitor your tumour can cause anxiety.

Listen to Daniel’s story of his ‘wait & watch’ journey.

To watch with subtitles, please click on the ‘CC’ tab on the bottom right of the video.

Help Sheets

GP & Specialist Appointments

Employee information

Managing Fatigue

Access to Work

Members Quotes

I was lost and worried when I was diagnosed and waiting for my op. With the support of all BANA members. I was able to get through the difficult times. The continued contact and support keep me going every day.

Mike (BANA member)
I have found BANA invaluable to me on my journey.

Marilyn (BANA member)
Just knowing BANA are there is like having a safety net. I am not alone.

Lin (BANA member)
I absolutely love being a BANA member, the information available has made my diagnosis easier.

Cari (BANA member)
BANA’s supportive and professional information was a life saver when first diagnosed.

Kerstin (BANA member)
BANA has been a lifeline to me since I had my operation 7 years ago.

Julie (BANA member)
What an incredible little charity this really is.

Andrew (BANA member)
There is so much useful and practical information and so many inspiring stories.

Rachel (BANA member)
I absolutely love being a BANA member, the information available has made my diagnosis easier.

Cari (BANA Member)
I was given BANA details from the hospital straightaway and have found the information and support invaluable.

Sue
BANA’s supportive and professional information was a life saver when first diagnosed. It helped dispel anxiety and gave a well-grounded and wide ranging perspective on what to consider at your medical appointments, at work and at home.

Kerstin
The BANA joint membership option has been so valuable to us both.

Rachel
Just being able to contact fellow sufferers confirms you are not alone.

Howard
I was lost and worried when I was diagnosed and waiting for my op. With the support of BANA members I was able to get through the difficult time.

Mike
Just knowing BANA is there is like having a safety net.

Lin
Thank you BANA for your support.

Marilyn

What other treatment options do I have?

In addition to the ‘Watch, wait and scan management’ treatment shown above, there are two other modern management options for this tumour, depending upon its size, location and the severity of the symptoms.

Intracranial Surgery

A full overview of the three management options for acoustic neuroma patients

Stereotactic radiotherapy

A full overview of the three management options for acoustic neuroma patients

Incidence

The incidence is approximately 2 per 100,000 per year. That equates to 1200 new diagnoses per year assuming a UK population of 60 million. Based on MRI studies, the true prevalence may be around 0.05% (1 in 200) of the population, which equates to 30,000 people, also assuming a UK population of 60 million.

We hope our website helps you to find the information & support that you are seeking. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us

Treatment Option – Watch, Wait and Rescan