Helped Over 500,000 patients with 98%+ satisfaction.

Connect & Get Personalized 1-to-1 Answers from Expert Doctors

DoctorSpring > Question Home

Schwannoma in right arm down near elbow

Resolved Question:

I recently saw a surgeon who diagnosed what would seem to be a schwannoma in my right arm down near the elbow (it is not attached to the skin and is in a fixed position). Because I have had it for at least five years and it doesn't seem to have changed size (it is small, firm and round--maybe about 5 millimeters), she told me it must be benign. Also because when she pressed on it I could feel nerve response down my arm she said I shouldn't have it removed because I can damage feeling in the arm. My question is simply looking for a second opinion. Do you agree with the assessment of benignity based on the fact that it is the size it is and has been after 5 years and has not caused any discomfort? Would it look/feel/be considerably different if it did happen to be malignant?

Category: Internal Medicine Specialist

Ask Your Own Question

Category: Family Physician-GP
 29 Doctors Online


Hello,



Thank you for the consult:



Yes, the swelling appears to be benign. The features you have mentioned are typical of a non-malignant swelling. But unless confirmed by a biopsy, a diagnosis of  “Peripheral Nerve tumour “is more fitting than Schwannoma. Schwannoma is one among the many peripheral nerve tumours. Majority of the schwannomas are benign for the record.



If you wish for a definitive diagnosis a MRI and Biopsy can help. But again a small unchanged swelling for years can be left alone. You can observe for any increase in size of the swelling, Also in case if you develop any neurological symptoms like persisting tingling sensation, weakness in the fingers, or loss of sensation over the arms you will need to consult a Surgeon for further evaluation



Hope this helps



Dr. John Fuller
Category: Family Physician-GP
Experience: 
MD - New York Institute of Technology, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship, Family Medicine - Lutheran Medical Center
Residency, Family Medicine - The Mount Sinai Hospital
Dr. John Fuller and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

Users who read this, also read:

Make informed and better medical decisions.

Join the 500,000 people who found a smarter, quicker way to get Answers, Recommendations & Expert Opinions.

Expert Doctors at fingertips

Recommendation on next step. Second-opinion.Multi-specialty.

Save Time

Average time for answers: 6 hours.

Save Money

$35 for typical specialist consult vs. $120 for a local appointment.

Free Follow-ups

Clarify, ask further questions for free in private conversation.

100% Satisfaction

Money back guarantee for the 1st reply. MEDNET Quality Board.

Start My Consultation

CHAT NOW

About DoctorSpring.com

Doctor Spring is a novel online Doctor consultation platform where you can get your medical questions answered by leading Doctors. Just Submit your question and rest assured that you will consult a Doctor easily. Once you submit the question, the Doctor from the concerned specialty will reply within hours. You can always ask more questions or add details with follow-up question options and make it an online doctor chat. You may use this service to consult a specialty or for getting medical second opinion. All paid services come with a MEDNET quality assurance and 100% money back guarantee.

DoctorSpring in news