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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.


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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

Gleneagles Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Gleneagles Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Gleneagles Hospital, located on Napier Road in Singapore, is a leading private healthcare institution offering comprehensive medical services and advanced clinical care. With 221 beds and a strong team of medical specialists, the hospital holds the Singapore Quality Class certification for excellence in healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities include ICU, HDU, NICU, Urgent Care Centre, operating theatres, radiology, endoscopy, laboratories, and rehabilitation units. Gleneagles specializes in orthopaedics, oncology, women’s health, and gastroenterology, offering tailored programs for cancer, bone, and gut health. With modern maternity packages and patient-friendly rooms, the hospital ensures compassionate, high-quality care focused on safety, comfort, and recovery.

Farrer Park Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Farrer Park Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
  • The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
  • There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
  • Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
  • 121 bed capacity
  • Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
  • Professionally implemented international patient care systems
  • Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
  • Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
  • 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
  • Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic

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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.