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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 tumour 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 detailed 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 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 United Arab Emirates

NMC Specialty Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
NMC Specialty Hospital

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

NMC Specialty Hospital located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 104 Patient Rooms/Wards
  • 7 Operating Rooms
  • Laboratory endowed with centrally computerized System
  • 24-hour Emergency Department
  • 24-hour Pharmacy
  • 24-hour Ambulance Services
  • Radiology Department offering state-of-the-art equipment, including MRI (1.5 Tesla), 64-slice spiral CT Scanner, 4-D Ultrasound with color Doppler, Bone Densitometry, Digital Mammogram with CAD System, and Digital X-Ray Systems with fully integrated PACS
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman

Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman located in Ajman, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The hospital has a 250 bed capacity.
  • Excellent quality of healthcare facilities and services at par with developed countries.
  • Multilingual and multinational healthcare professionals working in the Thumbay Hospital Ajman (belonging to 20 nations and fluent in 50 plus languages).
  • Equipped with the newest facilities to ensure highest standards of healthcare delivery to patients at economical costs.
  • Dedicated, compassionate and highly educated healthcare professionals work in Thumbay Hospital Ajman.
  • Well developed diagnostic facilities are also available.
  • A 24/7 functioning emergency care department and advanced facilities in Radiology.
  • There is presence of an ultramodern Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) and Electrosurgery Cryotherapy in dermatology, Interlocking intramedullary nailing.
  • Also available under dental departments Panoramic, digital intra-oral X-rays, Cephalogram are present.
  • Some of the important specialties in Thumbay Hospital Ajman are:
    • Ear, nose, and throat
    • Cardiovascular
    • Bariatric surgery
    • General surgery
    • Urology
    • Nephrology

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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Schwannoma Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Uthe nited Arab Emirates:

  • 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 United Arab Emirates hospitals is cost-effective.
  • The United Arab Emirates'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 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.

Many patients have favourable results from the high-quality treatment options offered by the country's healthcare facilities. The effectiveness of treatment for Schwannomas in the United Arab Emirates is believed to depend on the tumour's location and size. Particularly for smaller tumours, surgical methods like microsurgery and minimally invasive Gamma Knife radiosurgery provide reasonable tumour control while maintaining vital capabilities like hearing. Seek care from a medical facility with qualified neurosurgeons for the most noticeable effects.

Yes, many United Arab Emirates 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 Uthe nited Arab Emirates:

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

The surgical removal of schwannomas has a high success rate of 85–90% in the United Arab Emirates, with minor neurological impairment. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can control over 90% of tumours, especially for tiny or incurable schwannomas.

Depending on where the tumour 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 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.