Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and genetics of acoustic tumors.

This article reviews the epidemiology of both unilateral and bilateral (NF-2) acoustic tumors. The growth rate of acoustic tumors is examined from a clinical, radiographic, and laboratory perspective. The anatomic, histologic, and biochemical considerations as well as the influences of sex hormones on acoustic tumor formation are reviewed. Also presented are an update on the laboratory search for the NF-2 gene on chromosome 22 and recently identified DNA markers. Predictions are made concerning the potential future applications of genetic testing for prenatal or presymptomatic diagnosis of the disease that causes bilateral acoustic tumors.