The Role of Radiosurgery in the Management of Benign Head and Neck Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Head and neck tumors are a heterogeneous group and often invade the skull base. Various radiation techniques can be used for these tumors when surgery is unavailable. This study investigated the indications for gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in benign head and neck tumors.

METHODS: Thirty-seven lesions in 35 patients were treated with GKRS for schwannoma, juvenile nasal angiofibroma, choroidal hemangioma, and pleomorphic adenoma. The median follow-up period was 43.0 months (range, 12.2-174.1 months).

RESULTS: Tumor control was achieved in 35 of 37 lesions (94.6%) at last follow-up after GKRS. Thirty-four lesions (91.9%) decreased, 1 lesion (2.7%) remained stable, and 2 lesions (5.4%) increased in size. Clinically, 15 cases (40.5%) showed improvement, 17 cases (45.9%) were stable, 1 case (2.7%) experienced deterioration, and 4 cases (10.8%) developed new symptoms. Four of the 5 cases that exhibited deterioration or new symptoms improved.

CONCLUSIONS: GKRS is a reasonable alternative to surgery that can effectively control tumor growth and preserve functions of the head and neck in primary, residual, or recurrent benign head and neck tumors.