Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
132 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Treat A Benign Schwanomma Below Right Collar Bone?

Hello, I have had diagnosed last week a 3cm schwanomma just below my right collorbone. I only noticed it about 2 months ago. it is a little tender but there is no pain as such. The doctor who did the biopsy said if it was a benign Schwanomma then it would be best to leave well alone. My doctor has said it should be removed. I am wondering which nerve it is on. Does the Vagus nerve go below the collarbone. How dangerous is it to leave it there? I have read that it will grow but how fast there is no way of telling. If it has to be removed, I guess it is better to have a smallish tumor removed than a large one. Can you give me more information please.

Thanks
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 4 Mar 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 4 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

A schwannoma is a benign tumor that has got origin from schwann cells in a nerve. This tumor is in the collar bone area but the exact location can be known only if you have got a CT scan or MRI scan done. This usually does not cause pain but if it stets getting painful then surgery is recommended. Vagus nerve does not course along the collar bone but it is important to know anatomical details of your tumor before coming to a conclusion regarding the origin. The nerves supplying the arm form the brachial plexus and it passes close to the collar bone.

It is important to do a detailed imaging investigation and also compare the symptoms of pain should you experience any and then go for surgical treatment. As there is no pain, you can get a MRI scan of the region and then discuss the findings. This will tell us if the schwannoma is arising around an important structure and will give rise to complications if left without surgery. If there are no important structures around the schwannoma and if the size is small then you can have the wait and watch approach. The tumor is usually harmless in most patients. Please do not worry.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Biopsy


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Treat A Benign Schwanomma Below Right Collar Bone?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. A schwannoma is a benign tumor that has got origin from schwann cells in a nerve. This tumor is in the collar bone area but the exact location can be known only if you have got a CT scan or MRI scan done. This usually does not cause pain but if it stets getting painful then surgery is recommended. Vagus nerve does not course along the collar bone but it is important to know anatomical details of your tumor before coming to a conclusion regarding the origin. The nerves supplying the arm form the brachial plexus and it passes close to the collar bone. It is important to do a detailed imaging investigation and also compare the symptoms of pain should you experience any and then go for surgical treatment. As there is no pain, you can get a MRI scan of the region and then discuss the findings. This will tell us if the schwannoma is arising around an important structure and will give rise to complications if left without surgery. If there are no important structures around the schwannoma and if the size is small then you can have the wait and watch approach. The tumor is usually harmless in most patients. Please do not worry.