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What is Schwannoma?

A schwannoma is a type of tumor that arises from Schwann cells found in the nerve roots or the peripheral nervous system. They typically grow slowly and are benign. Vestibular schwannomas, which develop in an inner ear nerve, are the most prevalent kind.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

In addition to minimising potential complications by treating the tumor while it is still small and before it causes significant damage or symptoms, early treatment of a schwannoma is essential because it allows for better preservation of function in the affected area, especially when the tumor is near vital nerves like those responsible for hearing and balance.

What are the Common Symptoms of Schwannoma?

  • Constant or sporadic pain at the tumor's location (however, not all schwannomas are painful)
  • Tingling and numbness in the damaged nerve's vicinity
  • Loss of feeling in the damaged nerve's vicinity
  • Weakened muscles or altered reflexes
  • Lightheadedness or issues with balance.

Causes and Risk Factors of Schwannoma

Causes

Most of the time, the cause of schwannomas is unknown. About 90% of cases happen infrequently or at random.

  • Schwannomatosis,
  • Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)
  • Carney complex

According to genetic research, the NF2 gene on chromosome 22 is crucial for schwannoma formation.

Risk Factors

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Anesthesia-related side effects
  • Nerve injury
  • Paralysis
  • Numbness or weakness in the afflicted area.

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Schwannoma Prevention Tips

  • Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid schwannomas. Most of the time, they occur randomly for unclear reasons. Genetic factors that increase your risk of developing specific tumour types are linked to 10% of instances.

Treatment options for Schwannoma

Stereotactic Radio Therapy: To eradicate tumours, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) employs many laser beams that are carefully focused. To avoid potential difficulties, your doctor could suggest SRS rather than surgery if the tumour is close to important blood vessels or nerves.


Cost Start From USD 5000 - USD 15000Explore Options

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Brain stereotactic radiosurgery is another name for gamma knife radiosurgery. Since no incision is made into the brain tissue, it is not surgery in the conventional sense. About 200 beams of focused radiation are directed straight at the vestibular schwannoma using specialised equipment.


Cost Start From USD 60000 - USD 70000Explore Options

The following imaging studies can be used to diagnose a schwannoma:

  • MRI: A big magnet, radio waves, and a computer are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a painless procedure that creates obvious pictures of the organs and structures inside your body. This imaging test is recommended to identify and diagnose schwannomas.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan creates images of the internal components of your body using computers and X-rays.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound produces live images or films of internal organs or other soft tissues by using high-frequency sound waves. Medical professionals can use ultrasound to find schwannomas beneath the skin.
  • Nutritional Counselling: Diet plans to reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Personalised Therapy Plans: Individually tailored treatments for pain management and enhanced mobility.
  • Rehabilitation post-surgery: physiotherapy sessions focused on restoring joint function and strength.
  • Nutrition Guidance: Customised dietary plan for reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy weight for overall recovery.

Healthcare professionals may suggest medications that treat nerve pain.

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Hospitals for Schwannoma in Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital

Novena, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital located in Novena, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Capacity of 333 beds
  • Intensive Care Unit beds
  • Endoscopy beds
  • Day ward with 20 beds
  • 13 Operating Theatres, which includes 1 Neurological operating room, 2 Cardiac operating rooms, 4 Orthopaedic operating rooms, etc.
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • 24/7 Accident & Emergency Department
  • Maternity ward
  • 1 major operating unit with 13 operating rooms inclusive of 1 hybrid theatre
  • In-house Pharmacy
  • Rooms are categorized as Single Signature Rooms, Junior Suite and Regal Suite
  • All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
Parkway East Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Parkway East Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Total capacity for 143 beds
  • Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
  • All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
  • Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
  • 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
  • 1 Nursery with 30 cots
  • 1 Parentcraft room
  • 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
  • 24-hour Pharmacy
Mount Elizabeth Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 345 bedded Hospital
  • Maternity wards
  • The Mount Elizabeth Patient Assistance Centre (MPAC)
  • 1 major operating unit with 12 operating rooms and 1 operating theatre dedicated to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Accident & Emergency Department
  • Rooms are categorized as Single rooms, 2-bedded rooms, 4-bedded rooms, Executive deluxe suite, Daffodil/Magnolia suite, VIP Room, and Royal Suite
  • All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
  • Parking lot

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Why Choose Singapore for Schwannoma Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Singapore:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and immunosuppression therapy.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors and JCI-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Singapore hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Singapore's hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is treatable, yes. Schwannomas are usually not malignant, but they can develop and become more problematic if left untreated. Some schwannomas can be removed without damaging the surrounding nerve tissue, but if your tumour is large or deeply implanted, more surgery might be necessary.

The nation's healthcare institutions offer high-quality treatment alternatives, resulting in favourable outcomes for many patients. Depending on the location and size of the tumour, treatment for Schwannomas in Singapore is considered effective. Surgical options such as microsurgery and minimally invasive Gamma Knife radiosurgery, particularly for smaller tumours, allow for reasonable tumour control while preserving essential functions such as hearing. To acquire the best results, seek treatment from a medical facility with experienced neurosurgeons.

Yes, many Singaporean hospitals offer the following for Schwannoma treatment:

  • Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate diagnosis of Schwannoma
  • Skilled neurologist and surgeons for Schwannoma treatment.
  • Advanced gamma knife radiation therapy
  • Comprehensive post-surgery care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefits.

Always consider the following factors when selecting a hospital in Singapore:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

In Singapore, the therapeutic success rate for schwannomas is often high. The primary treatment is surgical removal, with most patients experiencing positive outcomes, including tumour removal, symptom reduction, and minimal recurrence. Radiation therapy may be utilised when surgery is not an option.

Depending on the location of the tumour, a doctor will perform a physical examination, order imaging tests such as an MRI scan, and possibly perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If your child has a schwannoma, you should look for symptoms such as a painless or painful lump that grows slowly, numbness or tingling in a specific area, one-sided hearing loss, dizziness, facial weakness, or pain.

Depending on the tumour's location, size, and treatment, a patient may experience long-term effects from a schwannoma such as tinnitus (ear ringing), balance issues, facial weakness or numbness, persistent hearing loss, and occasionally even trouble swallowing or moving the eye. However, most schwannomas are benign and slow-growing, so if they are appropriately diagnosed and treated, they rarely significantly impact life expectancy.

Providing a supportive environment, managing symptoms with medication and therapies as directed by the doctor, closely monitoring the child's seizures, seeking specialised care such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and being ready for any necessary surgical procedures, such as a hemispherectomy, are all part of caring for a child with Schwannoma.