Retrospective cohort study of life expectancy after a diagnosis vestibular schwannoma in patient aged 70 years or older

Since older vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients have more comorbidities, a longer recovery period after surgery, a higher rate of surgical complications, and a higher mortality rate after VS surgery, a treatment strategy based on clinical evidence on postsurgical survival for these patients is warranted. A retrospective cohort study in Denmark evaluated life expectancy after a VS diagnosis in patients aged 70 years and older. The study included 624 patients treated with either observation or surgery. There was no significant difference in the life span of the VS patients,whether conservatively or surgically managed, and the matched general population. The authors conclude that advanced age among patients with VS is not a contraindication in itself for cases where surgery is considered, and untreated tumor is not significantly associated with survival.