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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 at random for unclear causes. Genetic factors that increase your risk of developing specific tumor types are linked to 10% of instances.

Treatment options for Schwannoma

Stereotactic Radio Therapy: To eradicate tumors, 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 tumor 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.


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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 your skin.
  • Nutritional Counseling: 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: Customized 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 Turkey

Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Medipol Bahcelievler Hospital is a medical institution providing a full range of medical and individualized approaches to its patients. Medipol has the ambition to bring high quality and maximum security to people in need by employing state-of-the-art technologies in medicine. They ensure that the health of the patients is improved by fashioning unique physician specialty treatment programs.

Medipol Bahcelievler Hospital provides an exceptional position in the healthcare industry with a policy of clear communication, professionalism, and reliability to patient expectations. Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital is situated in the European Side of Istanbul, dedicated to 24-hour health care for you and your loved ones, equipped with a fully functional operation theatre and ICUs with state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory, emergency, and advanced treatment rooms

Acibadem Altunizade Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem Altunizade Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The indoor area of Acibadem Hastanesi - Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest at 98,000 square meters.
  • There are 550 beds and as many parking spots.
  • 75 of the beds are in the intensive care unit.
  • A hybrid operating room which has 3 diagnostic units at one location which is an amazing concept as at one time surgeries can be performed in 3 operating theatres.
  • International patients are serviced well through a particular center for them where services related to therapy and diagnostics are done.
  • Healthcare delivery in this part of the hospital can be availed in 16 different languages.
  • Robotic Surgery and Cell Therapy Unit are representative of the high standards of technology present in the hospital.
Acibadem International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem International Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem International Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The Acibadem International Hospital is spread over an indoor area of atleast 19,000 square meters.
  • It comprises as many as 122 beds which also means there are intensive care beds (26) with observation beds (16).
  • Medical technologies are present such as Whole Body MR, DSA Digital Angiography, EUS (Endoultrasonography), and Ultrasonography.
  • Additional services like Heliport, Prayer Room, Cafeteria, ATM within premises etc. can also be availed.
  • Patients can choose from either a standard room or a suite during their hospital stay.

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Why Choose Turkey for Schwannomas Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Turkey:

  • 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 Turkish hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Turkey'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 causing any damage to the surrounding nerve tissue, but if your tumor is large or deeply implanted, more surgery might be necessary.

The nation's healthcare institutions provide high-quality treatment options, ensuring positive outcomes for many patients. Depending on the location and size of the tumour, treatment for Schwannomas in Turkey is thought to be effective, with surgical options such as microsurgery and minimally invasive Gamma Knife radiosurgery, particularly for smaller tumours, allowing for reasonable tumour control while preserving essential functions like hearing. To achieve the most significant results, seek treatment from a medical center with skilled neurosurgeons.

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

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

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

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

There is minimal evidence in Turkey on the success rates of schwannoma treatments. However, research from other countries shows that gamma knife surgery for vestibular schwannomas has a 10-year progression-free survival rate of around 87%. Furthermore, success rates for stereotactic radiosurgery have ranged from 91% to 100% during the last decade.

Depending on where the tumor is located, a doctor will perform a physical examination, order imaging tests like 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 tumor'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 their 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.