While prior literature has demonstrated that patients of lower socioeconomic groups may have larger tumors on presentation and poorer outcomes, there is limited literature on the impact of race and ethnicity on management of vestibular schwannoma (VS). The objective of this study was to determine whether race and ethnicity impacted treatment choice and postoperative management of VS.
Audiologists and ENT teams should be aware that race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors may influence the diagnostic and management pathway for vestibular schwannoma patients, and should screen for access barriers proactively.
Identifying racial and ethnic disparities in vestibular schwannoma care highlights systemic inequities that the audiology and otolaryngology communities must address to achieve equitable outcomes.
- 01Study investigates racial/ethnic disparities in vestibular schwannoma diagnosis and management.
- 02Builds on prior evidence linking lower socioeconomic status to worse vestibular schwannoma outcomes.
- 03Published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology.
- 04Disparity findings may have implications for referral patterns and follow-up protocols.
- 05Highlights need for culturally sensitive and equitable audiological care pathways.
Race and ethnicity influence the diagnosis and management of vestibular schwannoma.
studypartially supportedLower socioeconomic status is associated with worse vestibular schwannoma outcomes.
studysupported- PMID
- 42145214
- DOI
- 10.1177/00034894261453716.
- Journal
- Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 3
- Population
- Patients diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, stratified by race and ethnicity
- Intervention
- Observational analysis of race and ethnicity as factors in vestibular schwannoma care
- Comparator
- Patients of different racial/ethnic backgrounds
Primary outcomes
Differences in diagnosis timing or method by race/ethnicity; Differences in management approach by race/ethnicity