Schwannoma are slow growing intracranial tumors arising from nerve sheath made for insulation of brain electrical activity. It is mostly benign but locally invasive i.e can destruct local structures. Rarely it may be malignant, which usually we call it a cancer, which need a detailed imaging and histopathological study for confirmation. Your doctor is right regarding the treatment of choice which is surgery in most of the problematic cases as radiotherapy is not effective. Apart from MRI a neurological test BERA will help in assessing the auditory nerve function. A small benign tumour with is dealt with hearing preservating surgery. Now a days stereotactic radiosurgery by gamma knife/ cyber knife is also being done successfully with less morbidity. If it is seen to be malignant, then combination chemotherapy might be helpful. Hope the best treatment outcome. With regards,