On cut section, they have a semi-translucent appearance and are solid. Medium size tumors have the gross appearance of schwannomas seen elsewhere in the body, with a pale yellow color. Usually firm to rubbery, they are glistening on cut section and usually are solid. The larger tumors have a much more varied gross appearance, due to degenerative changes. Areas of acute or recent hemorrahage appear red, while older hemorrage appears brown.
Fibrosis is more grey.
The larger tumors may be solid, but often are not, and cystic change can be prominent. The consistency also is quite variable. There may be areas that are rubbery, edematous, soft, or fibrous. Some of the clinical symptomatology may be explained by changes in the tumor and by involvement of adjacent structures. Hemorrhage may produce enlargement, as may edema.