Non-glial tumors of the brain: tumors of the cerebellopontine angle and meningiomas.

Abstract

The principal non-glial tumors of the brain are meningiomas and acoustic schwannomas. Advances in the management of meningiomas have included endovascular techniques for embolization to reduce blood loss, radical surgical approaches, and the recognition of the high recurrence rate of these tumors. Advances in the management of acoustic tumors have been in preservation of VIIth nerve function, improved preservation of hearing, and the availability of stereotactic radiosurgical techniques as an alternative. There is still a substantial discussion concerning the route of surgery for acoustic tumors and not all agree that hearing preservation is a reasonable goal at present.