Dear Mr Chang,
Thank you for your question. A schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumor
arising from differentiated Schwann cells. It can form on a variety of
sites, most commonly on the limbs, occasionally on the head/neck regions,
or even in the mouth. A vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic
neuroma) can also develop in the inner ear. As the vestibular schwannoma
grows, it affects the hearing and balance nerves, usually causing
unilateral (one-sided) or asymmetric hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the
ear), and dizziness/loss of balance. Depending on the site, you should most
likely be seeing a general surgeon or ENT surgeon first.
In very rare cases, a benign schwannoma may transform to a malignant
peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), angiosarcoma or present with
epithelioid malignant change (EMC). It is best to have it assessed and
treated surgically.
Best regards
Dr Quah
