UAE: A five-year-old Arab girl has undergone a life-changing surgery in Dubai, where doctors successfully removed a watermelon-sized scalp tumour, believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. The procedure was carried out at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, where the tumour, measuring 20cm by 10cm, was removed. This tumour, a result of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic disorder, had a significant impact on the young girl’s life, both physically and emotionally. The surgery marks a remarkable medical achievement as the tumour was considered one of the largest ever documented in recent medical history.
The tumour caused the young girl considerable distress, leading to severe hair loss and isolation from her peers. Over the years, the lesion, initially noticed by her parents when she was just a year old, continued to grow, causing frequent bleeding, and raising the risk of infection. As it became more ulcerated, it significantly interfered with her ability to sleep, play, and engage in social activities. She struggled with her self-image, avoiding school and becoming increasingly socially isolated, which greatly affected her emotional well-being. The removal of the tumour provided her with a fresh chance at a normal life.
The complexity of the tumour’s size and location meant that surgery was the only viable option. Dr. Jamil Al Jamali, the lead surgeon at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, explained the challenges they faced in excising the tumour. The tumour was not only large but also positioned in a sensitive area of her scalp, making the surgery even more intricate. Dr. Al Jamali, along with his team, employed an innovative local flap reconstruction technique to remove the tumour and reconstruct the affected area, ensuring minimal hair loss. This procedure required meticulous planning and precision to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery.
The girl’s recovery was swift, with her seizures being controlled by medication and the surgical area fully healed within weeks. She began to experience natural hair growth for the first time in years and felt comfortable enough to re-engage with her peers and attend school. Her parents were overwhelmed with joy, witnessing their daughter’s transformation from a life of discomfort and isolation to one of play, laughter, and renewed social interaction. This life-changing procedure has given her the opportunity to live pain-free and socially active, which her family had once thought impossible.
